Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | Nissan Altima | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6000 258 lb-ft@4400 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 243 hp@6000 241 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable CVT | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 105.1 in | 4.2 in |
Length | 190.7 in | 188.7 in | 2 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 69.7 in | 1 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 63.2 in | -5.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3357 lb. | 3535 lb. | -178 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 20.0 gal. | 16.9 gal. | 3.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 40.5 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 54.4 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.8 in | 51.0 in | 5.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 44.1 in | 44.1 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.1 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 53.7 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.5 in | 52.6 in | -0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.8 in | 33.9 in | 1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 79.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 1.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.3 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -18.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.3 ft3 | 66.2 ft3 | -50.9 ft3 |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | I'm already stuck. In just about every other way aside from fuel economy the Altima is a good, even very good car, yet an unremarkable one. Either this, or a strength must be qualified with a "but." The latter is the case with the front seats. Inspired by the "zero gravity" seats designed by NASA for ultra-long-distance travel, the Altima's buckets feel substantial and fit like a glove. BUT...also check the reasons not to buy an Altima. Move to the back seat, and Nissan's midsize sedan has a clearer advantage. The comfortably padded rear seat cushions in both the Altima and the Fushion provide good thigh support--those in many competitors do not. The Altima's rear seat isn't quite the roomiest, but it is roomier than the Fusion's. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The NASA-inspired driver's seat is very comfortable and supportive, BUT its headrest juts so far forward that I had to remove it and reinsert it turned around. This severely compromises safety, but otherwise the headrest presses very uncomfortably against the back of my head. For this reason I doubt I could own an Altima. The average person, with a less vertical neck, won't have this problem. Just be sure to pay attention to this during your test drive. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
The seats are very comfortable, I would have been happy if both the driver and passenger were electronic. The lumbar support is fantastic and the driver seats is 8-way adjustable. For tall people this car will be a great ride. see full Nissan Altima review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Huge back seat for a sedan (legroom) and even three abreast is not that terrible. Big guys did not complain. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Roomy front seat room. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Kids in the back seat love the limoesque space. I do enjoy anchor locks and the well placed seat belts. There is definitely some intelligent design and practice into everything and anything in this car. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Very comfortable. see full Nissan Altima review |
2009 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
This is a big one for me since I'm 6'6". The seat is very comfortable, even with my long legs. With it all the way back, I can fit in the rear seat as well. Also, heated seats are a wonderful thing. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
It seems to have as much room as my Chevy Suburban. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
More then enough room for my children and their car seats. Much more room compared to my VW Passat Wagon I traded in. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The driver's seat with its 10 way adjustments was rival to Volvo's orthopedic chair. The passenger seat, however was akin to something out of a Yaris & this was the main reason we did not buy this car. see full Subaru Outback review |
2009 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There are no adjustements for height, lumbar or tilt for the passenger in any of the available trim levels. We would have bought this car new from the dealer otherwise. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
One complaint is the hard, short driver's seat. I use a gel cushion. I had after market leather installed. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
A little tight in the left portion of the footwell; small dead pedal. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Footroom too short. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
not long enough for a 6 foot 2 inch frame but I manage see full Subaru Outback review |