2012 Nissan Altima vs. 2002 Acura RSX
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura RSX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2002 Acura RSX. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 220 kg more than 2002 Acura RSX. 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 (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 2002 Acura RSX | |
| Make | Nissan | Acura |
| Model | Altima | RSX |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1222 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4844 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
