2005 Lexus LS vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lexus LS would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus LS (277 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus LS weights approximately 318 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.
Because 2005 Lexus LS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Lexus LS (418 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima. 2005 Lexus LS 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. 2005 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lexus LS | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | LS | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 418 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2675 mm |
