2004 BMW 120 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 120 would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 2004 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
