2006 Ford S-Max 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 S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Ford S-Max. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford S-Max weights approximately 169 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford S-Max.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford S-Max | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | S-Max | Altima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
