2008 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 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 55 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 525 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
