2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 122 more horse power than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Altima | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
