2006 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (190 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2006 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (242 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Nissan | Hyundai |
| Model | Altima | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.6 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
