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Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima

136 messages,  Last post on Oct 06, 2009 at 7:54 AM

You are in the Acura TL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Nissan Altima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 14

#1 of 136 Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima by jeffatl

May 26, 2007 (9:21 am)

I am really torn between these 2. I drove both this morning and the Altima is more comfortable, but I'm an Acura loyalist. They are almost equal in performance with the Altima being about $7-$8k cheaper with the options I want (no navi), such as leather, satellite, etc. What am I missing. Car enthusiasts please tell me. I know all about the TL, but the Altima has features the TL doesn't, like CVT engine (fuel economy and efficiency), fold down seats, push button start, etc. Help!!!

#2 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jeffatl] by kennyg8

May 26, 2007 (9:34 am)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 26, 2007 9:21 am)
Sorry, wrong comparo, as the two cars are in different classes, have significant disparity in terms of equipment, performance, luxury appointment and, thus, price. If you are concerned with savings, take the 4-banger Altima on top of the wide price gap between the TL and the best equipped Altima.

#3 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jeffatl] by ggesq

May 26, 2007 (9:46 am)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 26, 2007 9:21 am)
"I know all about the TL, but the Altima has features the TL doesn't, like CVT engine (fuel economy and efficiency), fold down seats, push button start, etc"
 
Yep, and so does the Camry, Hyundai and some GM cars less the CVT engine.
 
"What am I missing."
 
It's an Acura i.e. luxury or near luxury name plate vs. Nissan.

#4 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [ggesq] by jeffatl

May 26, 2007 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: ggesq (May 26, 2007 9:46 am)
I know the Altima isn't perceived as Luxury, but have you driven this car??? How much disparity is there really between Nissan and Acura. Please explain. By the way, you're talking to a guy who has driven Acuras for 15 years, so I do have some loyalty. But this is why I put the question out there, because after driving an Altima, I don't see much difference in quality. And it seemed to drive better. They both have same engine, HP, etc. I do know that Acura has higher reliability ratings, but probably not by much.
 
But please don't just make a blanket statement. I know about perceptions. I want facts. What makes Acura so luxurious other than the name. The seats sure aren't that comfortable (my only real gripe after driving Integras all this time). Consumer reports also mentions the comfort thing.

#5 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jeffatl] by jd10013

May 26, 2007 (5:25 pm)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 26, 2007 3:04 pm)
The acura should be compared to other luxury cars. test drive an infiniti, made by nissan and using such things like cvt an Ikey that you find in the altima), lexus, cadillac, lincoln, and audi. as for the difference between an altima and acura, Its all in the quality. luxury cars use higher quality materials and workmanship. they handle better, wear better, and look/feel better. If you think the altima is better, in some regards, to the acura; test drive an infiniti. It will blow your mind.
 
Its not just perception, the altima is not a luxury car, and nissan doesn't market it as such. Its a mid-size family sedan.

#6 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jeffatl] by ggesq

May 26, 2007 (6:00 pm)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 26, 2007 3:04 pm)
"I want facts. What makes Acura so luxurious other than the name."
 
Here's an example.
 
Nissan: Every Nissan is backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage. Period.
 
Acura:
Bumper to Bumper (mths/miles)
48/50,000
Powertrain (mths/miles)
72/70,000
Corrosion Perforation (mths/miles)
60/unlimited
Roadside Assistance (mths/miles)
48/50,000
Total Luxury Care which includes: 24 hour emergency and travel services & Concierge service.
 
For kicks- Infiniti-
Roadside Assitance
Trip Interruption Benefits
Infiniti Limited Warranties:
4-year/60,000-mile Basic coverage
5-year/50,000-mile Emission Control coverage
6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain coverage
7-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion coverage
10-year/unlimited-mileage Seat Belt Warranty
2-year/24,000-mile Federal Emission Performance Warranty
4-year/60,000-mile Federal Emission Defect Warranty
8-year/80,000-mile Federal Emission Long Term Defect Warranty
4-year/60,000-mile California Emission Performance and Defect Warranties
7-year/70,000-mile California Emission Long Term Defect Warranty

#7 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [ggesq] by jeffatl

May 26, 2007 (7:30 pm)

Replying to: ggesq (May 26, 2007 6:00 pm)
Thats the kind of answer I was looking for. It pretty much confirms my initial decision that I wanted a TL. I was just taking the other side because the Altima at first glance was impressive. However, you have to look at the long term, as I do. I plan to keep a car for 10 years, and if I doubt it will hold up, I won't buy it. After all, its a depreciating asset. But Acura holds its value well. I will test drive the infinity, but I think its out of my price range. Need to research it.

#8 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jeffatl] by scottm123

May 28, 2007 (5:54 am)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 26, 2007 7:30 pm)
If the TL is in your price range, then the G would also be affordable.
You can pick up a Journey for around the same amount of coin.

#9 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jeffatl] by goodegg

May 28, 2007 (8:23 pm)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 26, 2007 9:21 am)
You're comparing a new for 2007 car to one designed in 2003. Wait for the new TL to come out, then re-compare them.
The bar is always being raised and I have no doubt Acura will re-up the bar.

#10 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jd10013] by goodegg

May 28, 2007 (8:25 pm)

Replying to: jd10013 (May 26, 2007 5:25 pm)
test drive an infiniti. It will blow your mind
 
Which Infiniti? The one for $12000 more? Or the G35 for $5000 more?
 
I didn't think the G35 was close to threatening the TL's grasp on high quality interiors at a great price when I looked at it last fall.

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