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Features Comparison: Nissan Altima vs. Buick Lucerne
| Model Year | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2008 | 2008 | 2008 | 2008 |
| Model | Altima | Altima | Altima | Altima | Altima | Lucerne | Lucerne | Lucerne | Lucerne |
| Trim | 2.5 | 2.5 S | 2.5 SL | 3.5 SR | Hybrid | CX | CXL | CXS | Super |
| Engines | |||||||||
| Transmissions | |||||||||
| Drivetrains | |||||||||
| Tires | |||||||||
| Audio Systems | |||||||||
| Accessories | |||||||||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||||||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. Replaces regular RKE. No additional value because not possible to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in. | |||||||||
| Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Homelink. | |||||||||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||||||
| Rear disc brakes. | |||||||||
| If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | |||||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||||||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||||||
| Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | |||||||||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||||||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||||||
| Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | |||||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||
| Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||||||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||||||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||||||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||||||
| Cargo Management | |||||||||
| Usually part of an overhead console. | |||||||||
| Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | |||||||||
| Climate Control | |||||||||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||||
| Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||||
| Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | |||||||||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | |||||||||
| Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | |||||||||
| Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||||||
| Washer fluid heated to high temperature, enabling it to melt ice off the windshield. | |||||||||
| Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | |||||||||
| Engine / Motor | |||||||||
| Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold. | |||||||||
| Exterior | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | |||||||||
| Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering. | |||||||||
| Flaps mounted behind two to four wheels, to protect the body from mud and rocks. | |||||||||
| Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||||||
| Infotainment | |||||||||
| Jacks for a video camera, game console, or other device with A/V output. | |||||||||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||||||
| Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||||||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||||||
| Includes CD player. | |||||||||
| Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | |||||||||
| Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||||||
| Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||||||
| Screen-based navigation system. | |||||||||
| XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||||||
| In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||||||
| Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||||||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | |||||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||||||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||||||
| Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||||||
| Headlights automatically turn off. | |||||||||
| We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||||||
| Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||||||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||
| LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | |||||||||
| Standard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information. | |||||||||
| Front row reading lights. | |||||||||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | |||||||||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||||||
| Reports engine speed. | |||||||||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||||||
| Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||||||
| Seats and Interior Trim | |||||||||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||||||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||||||
| Manually adjustable lower back support. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Power-adjustable lower back support. | |||||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||
| Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede. | |||||||||
| No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||||
| Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | |||||||||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||||||
| Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting. | |||||||||
| Rear shock absorbers that automatically level the rear ride height. | |||||||||
| Alloy wheels plated with chrome. Some use a more durable, alternative process (PVD, Superchrome). Replace and include value of regular alloy wheels. | |||||||||
| Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Less firm than a sport suspension. Only listed if an option or not standard on all trims. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
Option Package Contents
Navigation Package
Cold Weather Package
Power driver seat
Cold Weather Package
Midnight Edition
Technology Package
Technology Package
Driver Confidence Package
Comfort and Convenience Package
Driver Confidence Package
See TrueDelta's information for all Nissan models.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2011 Nissan Altima
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2008 Buick Lucerne
4-speed automatic FWD