2008 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 6. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 266 kg more than 2008 Mazda 6. 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 (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 6. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 6. 2008 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 6 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
