2011 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTI 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2002 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | GTI | Altima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4211 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
