2009 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 56 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, 2009 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 76 L |
