2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Volvo XC60
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC60 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC60 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2012 Volvo XC60 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC60 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, 2012 Volvo XC60 (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima. 2012 Volvo XC60 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 Volvo XC60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Volvo XC60 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Altima | XC60 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1921 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2748 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
