2004 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 294 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW M3 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Altima | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2505 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1361 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 63 L |
