2005 BMW 530 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2005 BMW 530. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 2005 BMW 530 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 2005 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2005 BMW 530 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 530 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2981 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
