2003 Nissan Altima vs. 1997 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Parati. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Parati would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 315 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Parati.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 1997 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Parati |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2480 mm |
