2012 Nissan Altima vs. 2009 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Opel Insignia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Opel Insignia 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 132 more horse power than 2009 Opel Insignia. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Opel Insignia.
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 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Opel Insignia. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Opel Insignia. 2009 Opel Insignia 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. 2009 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 2009 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Altima | Insignia |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4595 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2675 mm | 2737 mm |
