Unveiled: the dodge dart vs nissan altima showdown: who will lead the pack in 2023?
What To Know
- The Altima also offers a wider range of interior features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system.
- The Dart offers a more affordable entry point, while the Altima provides a higher level of standard equipment and features.
- The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, is a more upscale option that offers a refined interior, a wider range of features, and a more powerful engine.
In the competitive midsize sedan market, the Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, style, and value, making them popular choices among discerning drivers. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
Performance
Engine and Power
The Dodge Dart offers a range of engine options, including a 1.4L turbocharged inline-four with 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L naturally aspirated inline-four with 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5L inline-four that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Altima offers a 3.5L V6 that generates 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission
Both the Dart and Altima offer a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs provide smooth and efficient gear changes, optimizing fuel economy and reducing engine noise. Additionally, the Dart offers an available six-speed manual transmission for enthusiasts who prefer a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a crucial factor for many drivers. The Dodge Dart with the 1.4L turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The 2.4L naturally aspirated engine provides slightly lower fuel economy, with estimates of 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Altima with the 2.5L engine offers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 3.5L V6 delivers less fuel-efficient figures, with estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Interior
Space and Comfort
The Dodge Dart offers a spacious interior with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long journeys. The Nissan Altima provides a similarly roomy interior, with slightly more legroom in the rear seats. The seats in the Altima are also well-cushioned and offer good support.
Materials and Features
The Dodge Dart’s interior features a combination of soft-touch materials and hard plastics. The overall design is functional and user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and a clear instrument panel. The Nissan Altima’s interior has a more upscale feel, with higher-quality materials and a more refined design. The Altima also offers a wider range of interior features, including heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system.
Safety
Both the Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Dart earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick++ by IIHS. The Altima also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.
Technology
Infotainment
The Dodge Dart comes standard with a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. The Nissan Altima offers a more advanced infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Altima also offers a premium Bose sound system with nine speakers.
Driver Assistance
The Dodge Dart offers a range of driver assistance features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Nissan Altima offers a more comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Price and Value
The Dodge Dart has a starting price of $21,995, while the Nissan Altima starts at $24,300. The Dart offers a more affordable entry point, while the Altima provides a higher level of standard equipment and features.
Which One is Right for You?
The Dodge Dart is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize affordability, performance, and fuel efficiency. It offers a spacious interior, a responsive engine, and a competitive price point. The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, is a more upscale option that offers a refined interior, a wider range of features, and a more powerful engine. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Which car has a more powerful engine?
The Nissan Altima with the 3.5L V6 engine has a more powerful engine than the Dodge Dart.
Which car has a more spacious interior?
Both cars offer spacious interiors, but the Nissan Altima has slightly more legroom in the rear seats.
Which car has a better infotainment system?
The Nissan Altima has a better infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium Bose sound system.
Which car has more safety features?
The Nissan Altima has a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Which car is more fuel-efficient?
The Dodge Dart with the 1.4L turbocharged engine is more fuel-efficient than the Nissan Altima.