2006 Mazda 6 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 4 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (134 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 244 kg more than 2002 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 6 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:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |
