2006 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima 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 (250 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 838 kg more than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Altima. (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | T5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
