2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 53 more horse power than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 81 kg more than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | Altima | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 57 L |
