2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. Both 2002 Nissan Altima and 2003 Nissan Altima are equipped with a 2,488 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 6 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Altima | Altima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 73 L |
