1990 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,490 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Altima weights approximately 161 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
