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 46 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5500 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. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 132 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
