Fusion or Altima

[harrymay]

Im trying to narrow down my choices. Im down to the fusion and the altima after six months of research and test drives.

both are considerably well equipped, im looking at the 4 cylinder models with autmatic transmissions. it is the fusion SE I-4 w/5spd auto tranny, and Altima 2.5s w/4spd auto.

putting aside the usual import/domestic arguments (the fusion shares a lot with the mazda6)

here are my pro's and cons for each

Ford Fusion SE I-4

Pros;
5spd auto,
better styling
better quality interior
Higher gas mileage
Cheaper

Cons;
2.3l only pushes 160hp fromt the crank
Lower warranty
Possiby lower resale (although ill be leasing, so i dont care)
only gear choices are d&l

Altima 2.5s

Pros;
More power, 175hp
Longer wheel base
Roomier interior
Longer warranty

Cons;
interior materials
Lower gas mileage
older style (possible update for 2007)
4spd auto


ive driven both cars, the fusion once and the altima twice. ive owned nissans before and like them a lot, never owned a ford (although it is basically the same as the mazda 6)

both are pretty responsive, the altima does have a good amount of power and lower gear ratios, but the fusion will serve me better on the highway. they both hug curves very well for a midsized sedan. Im kind of torn becuase each have little features that i like over the other. like the fusion has a armrest that moves forward for smaller arms, but the altima feels bigger.

im looking for some other reasons to go with either, and i dont want to hear about the domestic/import or manufaturing stuff as i am looking at the cars themselves not who makes them .

[SuperHighOutput]

Personally, after checking out the Fusion at the auto show a couple of months ago I was very impressed with it, but I haven't driven it yet so I can't speak on the road manners or driving characteristics of it. IMO it's one of if not the best looking mid size car on the market right now, and the interior is nice as well, I'd go with the Fusion.

[harrymay]

i took it for another test drive tonight. i drove an altima last night so i had a pretty good comparison of the two. overall, the fusion just "felt" better, the power is lacking, but everything just felt better. the layout of controls was better, things were closer. im a small guy and the altima felt way to big. the fusion also seemed more nimble, i was able to throw it around a corner with more confidence than the altima.

being that the fusion is cheaper, im going to go with that, just waiting for the tax return.