2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 3 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 148 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (122 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 141 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (154 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | Altima | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11:00 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
