2008 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 4 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 67 L |
