2002 Nissan Altima vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 85 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 (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
