2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 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 78 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (169 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 200 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Altima | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 65 L |
