2011 Mazda 5 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 Mazda 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda 5 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 113 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 5 weights approximately 56 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 5. 2011 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 5 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 5 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1568 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4585 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1615 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2751 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
