2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 81 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, both vehicles can yield 350 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Nissan | Subaru |
| Model | Altima | Forester |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |
