2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 375 kg more than 2009 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Altima | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 72 L |
