2011 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 175 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 2 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 120 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
