2003 BMW 530 vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 173 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 2003 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 530 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
