2002 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318.
Because 2002 BMW 318 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 2002 BMW 318. 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 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. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
