2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima 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 95 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 249 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. 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, both vehicles can yield 350 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Altima | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 51 L |
