2006 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 34 kg more than 2006 Ford Mustang.
Because 2006 Ford Mustang 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 2006 Ford Mustang. 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
