2010 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW 120 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 186 kg more than 2010 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 BMW 120 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
