2011 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 364 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Passat | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Altima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
