2004 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,505 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 199 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Forester (306 Nm) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Altima | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Nissan | Subaru |
| Model | Altima | Forester |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2505 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1361 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |
