Fusion vs. Altima
Ford Fusion vs. Nissan Altima: Which Car Should I Buy in Pueblo, CO?
Sedans make great commuter cars for young professionals and working adults here in Pueblo, Colorado. Two great sedan models are the Ford Fusion and the Nissan Altima, which are both for sale at Southwest Motors. Which midsize sedan is a better fit for you? Here are some differences between the Fusion and Altima to consider.
Difference in affordability
The Ford Fusion tends to be lower priced than a Nissan Altima of the same model year, mileage, and condition. That’s because the Fusion carried a lower base MSRP than the pricier Altima, which tends to cost a few thousand dollars more on average.
Nissan vehicles tend to hold their value over time better than Ford cars do, so you could save some money buy purchasing a Ford Fusion instead of a Nissan Altima at Southwest Motors. Nissan also gives its vehicles more technology and better materials in its basic models, which bumps the price up a bit, too.
Stronger performance
Of the many midsize sedans in its class, the Ford Fusion has one of the lowest basic performance capabilities, producing about 10 horsepower less than other midsize sedans — including the Nissan Altima. Both cars use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, but the Altima is able to milk some extra muscle from its motor.
If you want real strength, you’ll have to pay for a higher-tier Fusion Titanium model that has a turbocharged engine. Its horsepower and torque far exceed the best that the Altima can offer in its decked-out Platinum trim. Both models do offer optional all-wheel drive to replace the standard front-wheel drive.
Better fuel economy
Although the Altima and Fusion use comparable four-cylinder engines, the Altima tends to average far better fuel economy rates than the gas-guzzling Fusion. Why? The Altima uses a continuously variable transmission which optimizes fuel conservation when flexibly adjusting transmission performance. The Fusion uses a rudimentary six-speed automatic transmission which burns gas as it shifts gears. And, the Fusion is a heavier vehicle by a few hundred pounds, which causes it to burn more gas.
The Fusion does have an exclusive advantage over the Altima in this arena: Ford produced a hybrid version of the Fusion, which nearly doubles its city and highway fuel economy rates. If fuel economy matters most to you, get a Fusion Hybrid.
Spacious seating and trunk space
Both sedans are classified as midsize and seat 4-5 people, so they have similar dimensions. But if you’re a larger or taller person who cares about having extra inches of seating room, you’ll want to opt for the Ford Fusion. It offers more hip room and legroom in the front seat.
Rear-seat passengers get a whole three extra inches of legroom and two inches of hip room in the Fusion, too. Cargo room is smaller in the Altima, which has a slightly smaller trunk than the Fusion.
Ongoing availability
If you want to drive a model that is still being produced and is sure to have ongoing aftermarket support, parts, and accessories for years to come, you’ll want to choose the Nissan Altima. Ford discontinued production of the Fusion after 2020 to focus on SUVs, so the Ford sedan won’t have the same prosect of longevity that the Nissan Altima does, which is still actively being manufactured by Nissan every year.
In summary, the Fusion is a good choice if you want a cheap, roomy sedan, though you can splurge for a powerful or hybrid model. Alternatively, the Altima more well-rounded at its cheaper trim levels, offering better performance and efficiency at a moderate cost. Which one is a better fit for your needs and budget? Come to Southwest Motors to find out!