2012 Nissan Altima vs. 2013 Lincoln MKS
To start off, 2013 Lincoln MKS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Nissan Altima would be higher. Both 2012 Nissan Altima and 2013 Lincoln MKS are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Lincoln MKS (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Lincoln MKS should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Lincoln MKS weights approximately 524 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Lincoln MKS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Lincoln MKS 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, 2013 Lincoln MKS (475 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Lincoln MKS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 2013 Lincoln MKS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lincoln |
| Model | Altima | MKS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 2036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4595 mm | 5222 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 2172 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1565 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2675 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 72 L |
