2009 Mazda 6 vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Mazda 6 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 6. (161 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 6 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Because 2009 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 6 | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 73 L |
