2009 Lexus IS vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, both 2009 Lexus IS and 2009 Nissan Altima were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 146 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Lexus IS (503 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | IS | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4969 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 416 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |
