As many of you know, I make popular comparison videos on YouTube (@allcarseveryday). Since i do the work of making the videos, I thought it would be good to share my creations across all platforms. Here is the script (with final standings at the bottom) of my first video-the 2015 Honda Accord VS 2015 Nissan Altima. (To see the video click here.) Otherwise, enjoy the article!
To continue the Family Sedan Comparisons, the winner
of the Passat versus the Altima is pitted against the stellar Accord. In this
case the 2015 Altima overtook the ’15 Passat by a mere 3 points, so it moves on
to face its new competitor. Both sedans were new for 2013, the Accord got rave
reviews from the press for returning to the Honda basics, after the dull
previous generation. Also fresh for 2013 was the Altima, Nissan’s bet at taking
sales from class leaders Camry and Accord. I compare the base models of both
cars, the ’15 Altima using a 2.5 liter four pot and the Accord using the 2.4
liter 4. The vehicles pictured in the video aren’t always the base cars, for
example I had an Accord sport on hand, even though it’s not the LX model being
used for specs. Another thing to note; I use a numerical points value system to
assess the cars on a scale from one to ten, the ratings are revealed at the end
of the video. The LX Accord starts at $21,995. It comes with a standard 8-inch
high resolution screen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Pandora capability and
AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, among other features. Standard here
is a 6 speed manual, a CVT will cost extra. Which leads us to why the Accord is
less expensive than the Altima 2.5. The Nissan comes standard with a
Continuously Variable Transmission, one of the best in the business, if you can
call a CVT good. It opens at $22,300, and includes Advanced Drive Assist, which
is a 5.5 inch LCD screen inset into the gauge cluster to portray information. The
Altima also gets keyless entry, push button start, and speed sensitive
windshield wipers, along with other basic features. Here the Altima presents a
better value, with more standard features for only slightly more money,
considering Nissan also threw in the CVT. Moving on to safety, the cars are
very close in NHTSA testing. The Altima got a five star rating for front and
side impacts, a four star rollover rating, and an overall five star rating. The
Accord bests it with perfect five star scores in all four of the previously
mentioned categories. Safety has always been an Accord strong suit, so the
better ratings were to be expected. The Accord comes standard with vehicle
stability assist which is basically when oversteer or understeer happens, it
will brake and send or cut power to certain wheels to keep the car in line. The
Honda also has brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system, traction
control and a full array of airbags. The Altima comes with vehicle dynamic
control, which is where the car prevents wheel slippage using the ABS system.
It helps in severe weather and in keeping control of the car. Altima also comes
with traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and the full
smattering of airbags. Nissan brags about its TPMS in that it montors each
wheel’s pressure separately and as a low tire is being filled, the Alty will
honk to signal it is at the correct inflation. This seems gimmicky but is
actually useful when you just want a quick stop. It also seems like something
that can break easily. On to acceleration and performance. The Accord reaches
60 mph in 7.1 seconds on its way to a 15.3 second quarter mile. This is
decently fast. The Altima is identical at 7.1 to sixty, but slower at speed. It
ran the quarter in 15.5 seconds. However, it looks better doing it. It features
bold styling for a family car, especially when compared to Camry and Accord.
Typically, manufacturers don’t want to offend anyone with styling for big
volume models, but Nissan took a slight gamble with the Altima, and I think it
pays off. The Accord gets updated styling, but nothing revolutionary. That’s
not to say it doesn't look good, in fact I think it is classy, more so when you
see the old Accord. But, as most of you will see, the Altima is the better
looking car. I am aware that styling is a subjective category, so believe what
you will about each car. If the Accord appeals to you more, so be it. Honda’s
smaller 2.4 liter makes a little more power at 185 horsepower, while the 2.5
liter mill under the Altima’s hood makes 182. The difference is marginal and
should not make a difference in overall standings. Same with the trunk cargo
capacity, the Accord has 15.8 cubic feet against the Nissan’s 15.4. Two of the
biggest selling points for a family sedan are reliability and miles per gallon.
The Accord and Altima both got better than average ratings, in reliability
according to Consumer Reports, where they have an edge on domestic competitors.
Where the cars separate is mpg. The Accord gets a middle of the pack rating at
24/28, which sort of pales when confronted with the Altima’s 27/38 rating. I
would like to point out though, that when fitted with the optional CVT, the
Accord achieves a 27/30 rating, which is still 8 mpg short in the highway
rating. That is a lot of difference even with the CVT, not the transmission
we’re comparing. So the Accord will most likely be dinged in points there. Here
are the final standings, which speak for themselves (see attached picture).
