2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 9 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 674 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Mazda CX-9 (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2011 Mazda CX-9 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. 2011 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2011 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Altima | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1964 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 76 L |
