2012 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA
To start off, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (173 HP) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA weights approximately 84 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (244 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 2013 Nissan ALTIMA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Civic | 2013 Nissan ALTIMA | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | ALTIMA |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 173 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1785 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1421 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
