2006 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 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 132 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 194 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Jetta | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
