2012 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (108 HP @ 2750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 253 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
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 Volkswagen Tiguan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Tiguan | Altima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1543 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4426 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1809 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1703 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2604 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 73 L |
