2004 Acura TL vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Acura TL is newer by 2 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Acura TL (267 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Acura TL weights approximately 288 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.
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, 2004 Acura TL (323 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2004 Acura TL has manual transmission. 2004 Acura TL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura TL | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Acura | Nissan |
| Model | TL | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 73 L |
