2002 Nissan Altima vs. 1981 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 481 kg more than 1981 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Sunny. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 1981 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Altima | Sunny |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
