2012 Nissan Altima vs. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (121 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 297 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | Altima | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4595 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2675 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 57 L |
