2009 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Altima weights approximately 383 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 3500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
