1996 Nissan President vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan President. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan President would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Nissan President. (267 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan President. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan President weights approximately 421 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
Because 1996 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Nissan President (394 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan President will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima. 1996 Nissan President has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan President will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan President | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | President | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2780 mm |
