2009 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (141 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Altima weights approximately 340 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
