2012 BMW 335 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 10 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 509 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 2012 BMW 335 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 2012 BMW 335. 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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 335 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:
| 2012 BMW 335 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 335 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4624 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1783 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1384 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 76 L |
