2008 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,487 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 464 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 76 L |
