Comparison Test: 07 Altima vs. 07 Versa

[Ever Victorious]

Part 2 in the Ever Victorious series of tests, comparing new Nissan models, is the test of the 07 Altima vs. the 07 Versa.

The Altima tested was an '07 2.5S with Convenience package and XTronic CVT transmission.

First of all, it has to be said. The new Altima's lines are dead sexy. I can forget the days of the factory-installed Altezzas now, and look forward to a hot, chic body on Nissan's midsized car.

Plus, Nissan is boldly declaring their intention of technology with this car, making the iKey system (with pushbutton start) standard on all models. This is a great feature, no fumbling in the pocket for keys. However, I noticed a drawback on this particular system in the Altima: you MUST have the keyfob to start the car. Since it is a pushbutton start, there is no ignition lock, and therefore no place to put the key that is hidden in the keyfob. You have to give the valet your whole fob, and if the battery dies on the fob, you have to get your spare fob to start the car. This in my opinion could lead to someone being stranded at an inopportune time.

The Altima is very quiet and comfortable while being driven, and the CVT powers smoothly no matter how you throttle the engine. As a bonus, there is a Manumatic mode on this version, which turns the CVT into a freakisly responsive 6-speed semiautomatic transmission, with plenty of gusto and close gearing.

Fuel economy is rated far higher than last year, at 26/32. However, with some of the numbers we have seen from CVT Versa owners I would not hold my breath that these are accurate.

The interior of the Altima gives the Versa a run for its money, with the huge glove box, a large center console storage bin with 12V power outlet, and reconfigurable cup holders. The driver's seat is moderately supportive (no better or worse than the Versa), and the tilt/telescopic wheel easily can find a good position for any driver.

Sadly, this year's Altima is a step backward in rear seat leg room, with the Versa again easily beating its "competition" in this category, and even the last year's model having about an inch or so more room. Also, the door armrests of the new Altima have the exact OPPOSITE problem I found with the new Sentra. That is, while the new Sentra has its armrest slope away making it hard to reach the window controls, the Altima's slopes up... too harshly. I could not comfortably rest my arm on it, as my wrist was bent backwards. Also, there door grip is placed too far back to be usable. When my friend started his "spirited" driving, I was clamoring for a hand hold, and ended up using the assist grip on the ceiling (which I prefer not to do).

Trunk space is good, about the same as the new Sentra (which is freakishly large for its size class) but again still not as large as the standard cargo configuration of the Versa. What got my attention as unusual was the pull-straps hanging down into the trunk for the folding seat release. They looked tacky, and I've seen cheaper cars (read: Hyundais) that had better quality, hidden releases.

Now for performance... It was actually VERY peppy with the 2.5L and CVT, especially in Manumatic mode. It's not going to satisfy a Z enthusiast by any means, but it handled well, and was quick and eager to go through the "gears". I don't know if the test vehicle had a defect, but going over speed bumps was actually more jarring and less comfortable than in the Versa.

Here's the rundown, folks:

Versa is less expensiveVersa is more economicalAltima is still very economical for its size class (with the 2.5L)Altima is fasterAltima handles better, with more of a difference than on the Sentra drive.Altima has better creature featuresVersa is more comfortable in rear seating positionsVersa is more versatileAltima is sexier, but not by muchBoth cars tie for ergonomicsAltima is quieterAltima has standard iKeyAltima allows ABS with convenience packageAltima seems a better match for the CVT

Verdict: This is hard for me. I like the hatchback design of the Versa, especially with its versatility, and I love being able to carry my friends around in as much comfort as me, but the Altima has good cargo capacity and fuel economy, in a very sexy sedan (midsize sport sedans hold a special place in my heart). I think that were it not for my job, and the $7k extra to have the Altima equipped with the same stuff as my Versa, I would actually have selected the Altima. Versa wins. Barely.

[proxim2020]

Excellent review. Keep 'em coming

[versabundus]

Try a Suzuki SX4.

[Ever Victorious]

You mean an Aerio SX? Wow those things are ugly. And I know the Versa will beat it.

[cireecnop1]

No suzuki made a new, really really good looking car. The SX4. go test drive one, there are nicely equipped and they also have the intelligent key.

[proxim2020]

I would probably be beat based on gas mileage alone 23/28. And that's just the EPA estimates

[orb]

What is it about the gas mileage on some of these Versa competitors. I was originally looking at a Rabbit, but the gas mileage was so bad that I couldn't justify not looking at a used Golf. The MPG on the Suzuki is terrible. I couldn't see myself buying anything that that was less than 30 MPG. (the versa just barely made that cut, though it's not clear yet whether it lives up to that number or not)

[cireecnop1]

Really? More and more now, I can't remember why I bought the Versa. It wasn't the gas mileage or the Nissan name. I think it was the fact that it is interesting to look at and that not very many people have them. That suzuki is interesting to me. Really Really miss my AWD Audi. especially since the Versa doesn't have ABS. but sorry guys I am just venting in the wrong thread.

[LA02MAX]

I actually went looking at the altimas the other day, but no dealer in Baton Rogue had a 6-speed 3.5 (which is the only altima I would think of getting) so I didn't get to drive one. But upon initial inspection, they are VERY nice cars. The interior is much nicer than my 2002 maxima and $23k buys you a base V6 altima, which has more options than I would ever use. IMO that's a damn good deal. It's not really fair comparing it to the versa because of the price difference (a fully loaded versa is a bit less than a base 2.5) and class difference, but your words were useful nonetheless. I like the versa for what it is, and I like the altima for what it is. It all depends on your needs, and for me the altima provides plenty enough room and I prefer the torque of the V6, so it might just be my next car.

[jacksan1]

Really? More and more now, I can't remember why I bought the Versa. It wasn't the gas mileage or the Nissan name. I think it was the fact that it is interesting to look at and that not very many people have them. That suzuki is interesting to me. Really Really miss my AWD Audi. especially since the Versa doesn't have ABS. but sorry guys I am just venting in the wrong thread.

Yes, SX4 is an interesting car, certainly made me interested enough to test drive one. My wife and I always keep at least one all-weather (AWD) vehicle around, so SX4 may well become a candidate when it's time for us replace our Subaru Forester. While SX4's mileage is not hot if compared to other econoboxes, it more than matches the competition if slanted against other small crossovers. And it's priced right, with all that standard equipment and all-wheel drive.