2003 Nissan Altima vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima. 2008 BMW 525 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 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
