2008 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Altima weights approximately 54 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (237 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (152 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
