2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS is newer by 10 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 558 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.
Because 2012 Lexus LS 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 2012 Lexus LS. 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, 2012 Lexus LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2012 Lexus LS 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. 2012 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2012 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lexus |
| Model | Altima | LS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 84 L |
