2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 8 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 72 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. 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, 2010 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2010 BMW 120 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. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | 120 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 51 L |
