2009 Acura RL vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RL (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RL weights approximately 63 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL 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, 2009 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Acura | Nissan |
| Model | RL | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 76 L |
