2009 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,726 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 39 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. 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, 2009 Mazda CX-9 (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2009 Mazda CX-9 has automatic transmission and 2002 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2002 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda CX-9 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | CX-9 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3726 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 73 L |
