2011 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 9 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 388 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, both vehicles can yield 244 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2011 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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:
| 2011 Toyota Tacoma | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Tacoma | Altima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 76 L |
