1998 Honda Life 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 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Life would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1998 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 722 kg more than 1998 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda Life 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 Honda Life 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Life | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Life | Altima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2675 mm |
