2009 BMW 120 vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (251 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 65 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 76 L |
