2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 49 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Jetta | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
