2004 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Altima (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 278 kg more than 2001 Nissan Altima.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Nissan Altima (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2001 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2001 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
