2003 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 991 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Phaeton | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2281 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 73 L |
