2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 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 81 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 127 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
| Model | 156 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
