2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (153 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 88 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
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, 2002 Nissan Altima (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Altima | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
