2002 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP) has 108 more horse power than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 320 kg more than 2002 Ford Fiesta. 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 (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Fiesta. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Altima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
