2008 Nissan Qashqai vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Qashqai 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 (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Qashqai. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Qashqai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Qashqai weights approximately 276 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2008 Nissan Qashqai 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 Qashqai 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 Qashqai (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Qashqai 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 Nissan Qashqai has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Qashqai 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 Nissan Qashqai | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Qashqai | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 76 L |
