2008 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Because 2008 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2003 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 523 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
