1998 Dodge Ram vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Ram. (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 618 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (453 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Ram | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Ram | Altima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2130 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2675 mm |
