2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2003 Renault Clio
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Clio would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Renault Clio. (251 HP @ 7150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Clio weights approximately 453 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2003 Renault Clio 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 2003 Renault Clio. 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Clio. (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2003 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Altima | Clio |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7150 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
