1996 BMW 535 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 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 62 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 314 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 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. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 535 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
