You either fixate on high-hauling vehicles bashing through the dunes of the desserts or executive sedans cruising on the highway while picturing the motoring scene in Dubai. In our previous comparo, we took up one of the most dilemmatic comparisons between the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol. Likewise, it's the turn of sedans this time. Similar to its SUV counterparts, Toyota and Nissan dominate the sedan segment with the Camry and Altima respectively. And here's why.
Toyota Camry
Camry poses as the obedient child in Toyota's line-up. The rather big sedan was often termed as boring due to its previous underpowered engine. However, things got a bit sweeter after Toyota subjected the moniker to a performance treatment under the TRD department.While we discuss more of the sedan up ahead, it is to be understood that Toyota had intentionally aimed for a powerful sedan that would eventually find a sweet spot between fun and commute. And with the TRD treatment, the grey would have been widened as well.
Making the sedan worthy of the 'executive' badge is the amount of pampering that Toyota has done for the rear passengers. The car comes in a total of six variants out of which two are 298hp yielding performance variants.
Nissan Altima
Answers for the ones looking for an affordable non-flashy mid-size sedan ends with the Nissan Altima. While this is not the final verdict of this comparo. A perspective can only be put into place when compared with a moniker that would very well be capable of stealing its thunder.To begin with, the Nissan Altima would rank as a rather practical car that meets all the requirements that are just what you need in an ideal car. But more of this ahead.
The 5-point-comparo
Design
The Toyota Camry stands as a rather sharp sedan while the Altima seems like the one who would think twice before taking a decision. The Camry has a wider wheelbase of 2820mm while the Altima measures 2775mm gracing the former with a slightly larger cabin. Along with a wider wheelbase, the Camry also sits 28mm lower than the Altima planting it better on the road.
Performance
The base variant on both the monikers holds a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The Nissan Altima gets a 10hp bump over the Camry at 188hp that are similar to its torque figures that lead with 244Nm as compared to Camry's 235Nm. Both the car features forward-wheel-drive as standard.The Nissan Altima clocks 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds, while the Camry does the same in 7.9 seconds.
Safety
For starters, the Camry and the Altima both come with 10 airbags as standard. This is coupled with other safety features such as enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology on the CamryOn the other hand, the Nissan Altima comes with zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing steering column.
Infotainment
In its standard variant, the Camry comes with Entune premium audio with app suite, dynamic navigation, 7-inch touch-screen, dynamic navigation with up to a 3-year trial, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Siri Eyes Free, Apple Carplay compatible and Toyota Connected Services.Meanwhile, the base variant of Altima gets Advanced Drive-Assist Display, and 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, and Bluetooth Hands-Free phone system.
