2006 Nissan Altima vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V50. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 44 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50. 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Altima | V50 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
