2002 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 697 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 2002 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Smart | Nissan |
Model | ForTwo | Altima |
Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 799 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 270 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1512 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2675 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 76 L |