2008 Mitsubishi Carisma vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma weights approximately 108 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
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 Mitsubishi Carisma (265 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma has manual transmission. 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mitsubishi Carisma | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Carisma | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
