1996 BMW 535 vs. 2001 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2001 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2001 Nissan Altima. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2001 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2001 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 535 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 1996 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Altima. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Altima. 2001 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2001 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 535 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
