2004 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic 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 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 294 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2004 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2004 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1121 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 73 L |
