2012 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-9 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 667 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.
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, 2012 Mazda CX-9 (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda CX-9 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | CX-9 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1963 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5085 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1935 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1727 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
