2005 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Civic 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 143 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 302 kg more than 2005 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (155 Nm). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
