2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 182 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.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2003 Ford Mustang 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. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Mustang | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Mustang | Altima |
Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4600 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 529 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1296 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |