2004 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 22 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |
