2010 Subaru Legacy vs 2010 Nissan Altima

2010 Subaru Legacy

The Legacy got a complete redesign for 2010, the first since 2005. The Legacy represents Subaru in the sedan market. This model year it got larger in size, and mileage has improved. Choices abound with the Legacy, which comes in eight trim levels and offers three engine types and three transmissions. The Legacy is offered in a turbo version, called the 2.5GT, the 2.5i and 3.6R are base versions of the non-turbo trim levels. Introduced almost two decades ago, the Subaru Legacy is the company's longest-running nameplate in the United States. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, the Legacy has often been selected by consumers as a winter-beating alternative in the midsize sedan or wagon segment.

Legacy Power and Handling

For power the Legacy has three engine choices - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.5-liter and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder come in the 2.5i, 2.5GT and 3.6R models, respectively, with 170 horsepower, 265 and 256 hp. The 3.6-liter runs on regular gasoline, replacing a 3.0-liter that required premium. A six-speed manual is standard, and the 2.5i can have a new continuously variable automatic transmission that's expected to improve efficiency over the 2009; it includes a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The 3.6R comes only with a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard, but the sophistication increases as you make the jump from the manual to the CVT to the 3.6-liter's five-speed.

2010 Subaru Legacy Design

Subaru says the car's "greenhouse" is larger, and all the wheels, from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, are new designs. The 2.5GT versions have a hood scoop to funnel cooling air into the turbocharged four-cylinder engine's intercooler. The Legacy's headlight shape strays into Nissan/Infiniti territory, but the grille has the familiar wing-shaped crossbar and constellation symbol.

Inside the Legacy

The new larger model adds a nearly 4-inch increase in backseat legroom, and the whole car is a couple of inches wider, which helps hip and shoulder room in the front and back. The interior materials are upgraded and include metallic-look trim on the steering wheel and other surfaces. Upholstery choices include cloth and leather. Power driver and passenger seats, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come in successively higher trim levels.

2010 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima has been on sale for more than 15 years and has now settled into the rare role of a practical five-passenger family sedan with handling and performance that appeals to the enthusiast. The Altima represent Nissan in the midize sedan market. It also is available as a coupe. The Nissan Altimas gets a restyled hood, grille and front bumper, as well as a standard electronic stability system for all models for 2010. The current Nissan Altima manages to distinguish itself by offering ample yet refined power, especially with the optional V6, along with perhaps the sportiest handling of any family sedan.

Altima Power and Handling

Powertrain options for the 2010 Altima include a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 pounds-feet of torque and a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 258 pounds-feet of torque. The transmission choices include a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The suspension is tuned to provide the driver with a more nimble feel and heightened responsiveness. The Altima impresses under the hood as well, with zesty acceleration from the base 2.5-liter engine and downright prodigious thrust from the optional 3.5-liter V6.

2010 Nissan Altima Design

The changes for 2010 are subtle and include a restyled headlamp area and a slightly reshaped grille. Nissan also says they changed the wheel designs for 2010. The trims on the Altima include: the 2.5 Base (on the sedan only), the 2.5 S, and the 3.5 SR. Safety features include: four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints, vehicle stability and traction control, front seat-belt pre-tensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). For a sportier appearance the coupe's roofline is 2.6 inches lower than the sedan's and flows back into a long and nicely sculpted tail section that narrows between wide shoulders above prominent wheel arches.

Inside the Altima

Both the coupe and sedan can seat five people. The rear seatback is split in both the sedan and coupe and can be folded down when long items need to be carried inside the car. For 2010, Nissan's new, hard-drive-based navigation system is available, and it has a larger touch-screen display. Also for 2010, there is a new, upgraded Bose stereo option. That stereo also features a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod connectivity and a backup camera.

Conclusions

The Legacy and the Altima are both mid sized sedans with recent updates and excellent passenger space. The Legacy comes standard with a long list of safety features and so does the Altima. The Legacy has a starting MSRP of $19,995 - $29,995, while the Altima can be bought for $19,900 - $29,600, showing that the two sedans have almost identical price range. The Legacy has an EPA Fuel Economy of City: 18 - 23 and Highway: 25 - 31, the Alitma is very similar with City: 18 - 23 and Highway: 27 - 32. The bottom line with the two vehicles is the Subaru Legacy offers all-weather capability at a reasonable price. All Legacy's feature Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For the 2010 model year, Altima receives a significant number of refinements, including a restyled grille, hood, front bumper and rear license plate finisher. Both models offer an excellent choice for roomy family sedan travel at an affordable price.