2009 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,670 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 743 kg more than 2012 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Impala | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5670 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 76 L |
