2008 Nissan Micra vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Micra. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 212 kg more than 2008 Nissan Micra. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Micra. (153 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Micra | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Micra | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 76 L |
