2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 4 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 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 820 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Altima | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 2235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
