2008 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (247 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 121 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2002 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2002 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Pathfinder | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
