2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2004 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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 148 more horse power than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 244 kg more than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Pontiac Vibe. 2004 Pontiac Vibe 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. 2004 Pontiac Vibe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2004 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Altima | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 45 L |
