2008 Nissan Altima vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 175 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
