2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 422 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Altima | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 69 L |
