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 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Altima (251 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 4000 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 47 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, 2008 Honda Civic (340 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Altima.
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 | 2204 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
