1997 Mitsubishi Pajero vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 550 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero (255 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima. 2003 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero has manual transmission. 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Pajero | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2810 mm |
