2009 BMW 120 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 7 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 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2009 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 73 L |
