2003 Infiniti M vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Infiniti M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Infiniti M would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Infiniti M (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Infiniti M weights approximately 611 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Infiniti M 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 Infiniti M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Infiniti M (451 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima. 2003 Infiniti M has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Infiniti M | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Infiniti | Nissan |
| Model | M | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1747 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 76 L |
