Not apples to apples but here is a basic comparison of
Ford Fusion
Nissan Altima
Outback (LTD)
The Nissan and Ford are a bit harder for me to get in and out of after 2 back surgeries, the Outback really shines for me here.
The outback has stiffened their ride a bit over '12 to get the media complaints about handling a bit more positive. While it is stiffer it has a nicer sitting position and this will more than likely make up for any stiffness over a long drive (when I can do that again).
The Outbacks EyeSight is significantly nicer than what Ford and Nissan offer for their safety features. Nissan does offer blind spot notification but the front stopping with the Outback outweighs that in my opinion, too bad no back camera to see oncoming speeding idiots.
Highway, the Fusion has too much wind noise, not better than last year even with the new design.
The Altima's wind noise was not bad, maybe a tad quieter than the Outback, maybe a dead heat
The Outback and wind noise is good, not as good as my company Taurus but very good, and I did not play the radio at all as that is what it is and I wanted to hear noise. We had to stop and take the plastic off to really hear how quiet the Outback is and it made a huge difference and they knew this was a key item for me.
They are all comfortable but the driving position of the outback once in is just best.
Getting in and out is a breeze for me, that gave them 10 points right there.
So this week I will order one to be built to get the better deal as I have some time and can wait and can save a few extra hundred dollars.
I decided to go with
Navi/Moonroof, Eyesight
rear bumper cover
Cargo net (I think against the seat is best unless others have a different view of this).
Splash guards
Body Side Molding
stuck on Electric Start and if I really have to have it, never had before and hate getting into a hot car.
Going with the new Blue, Twilight Blue Metallic (green was close behind) and the light beige leather interior. Hard to part with $30k, first purchase in 27 years for a car...but I think this is a good choice, I will not be driving very much so this car can last me a lifetime (or the rest of mine if I want it to) if I care for it, which I do.
Thanks for help on my previous questions, it was funny that on the test drive without the eyesight I really could have used it as I got distracted trying to adjust the temp and, well, it was close. Eyesight would have dealt with that easily, so that alone told me for me it is important, now to see if insurance will take money off because of added safety features.
Ford Fusion
Nissan Altima
Outback (LTD)
The Nissan and Ford are a bit harder for me to get in and out of after 2 back surgeries, the Outback really shines for me here.
The outback has stiffened their ride a bit over '12 to get the media complaints about handling a bit more positive. While it is stiffer it has a nicer sitting position and this will more than likely make up for any stiffness over a long drive (when I can do that again).
The Outbacks EyeSight is significantly nicer than what Ford and Nissan offer for their safety features. Nissan does offer blind spot notification but the front stopping with the Outback outweighs that in my opinion, too bad no back camera to see oncoming speeding idiots.
Highway, the Fusion has too much wind noise, not better than last year even with the new design.
The Altima's wind noise was not bad, maybe a tad quieter than the Outback, maybe a dead heat
The Outback and wind noise is good, not as good as my company Taurus but very good, and I did not play the radio at all as that is what it is and I wanted to hear noise. We had to stop and take the plastic off to really hear how quiet the Outback is and it made a huge difference and they knew this was a key item for me.
They are all comfortable but the driving position of the outback once in is just best.
Getting in and out is a breeze for me, that gave them 10 points right there.
So this week I will order one to be built to get the better deal as I have some time and can wait and can save a few extra hundred dollars.
I decided to go with
Navi/Moonroof, Eyesight
rear bumper cover
Cargo net (I think against the seat is best unless others have a different view of this).
Splash guards
Body Side Molding
stuck on Electric Start and if I really have to have it, never had before and hate getting into a hot car.
Going with the new Blue, Twilight Blue Metallic (green was close behind) and the light beige leather interior. Hard to part with $30k, first purchase in 27 years for a car...but I think this is a good choice, I will not be driving very much so this car can last me a lifetime (or the rest of mine if I want it to) if I care for it, which I do.
Thanks for help on my previous questions, it was funny that on the test drive without the eyesight I really could have used it as I got distracted trying to adjust the temp and, well, it was close. Eyesight would have dealt with that easily, so that alone told me for me it is important, now to see if insurance will take money off because of added safety features.