2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 3 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. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2005 BMW 316 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 2005 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316. 2005 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2002 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2002 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | 316 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
