2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 276 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
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 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
