2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1534 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | C | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
