2003 Nissan Altima vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima 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 12 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Because 2008 BMW 320 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 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
