1989 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 330 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Accord | Altima |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
