1990 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 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 2009 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 354 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, 2009 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
