2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS 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 43 more horse power than 2010 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2010 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 152 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2010 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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 (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Lexus IS. 2010 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lexus |
| Model | Altima | IS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 65 L |
