2014 Ford Taurus vs 2014 Nissan Altima

If you are in the market for a stylish new car, then the Ford Taurus and the Nissan Altima are two attractive options. Here is a look at what each model offers you, as well as a comparison between the two. Who will come out on top in a Ford Taurus vs. Nissan Altima showdown?

Exterior/Interior Features

The 2014 Ford Taurus delivers an aggressive exterior design with clean lines, an angular hood and the Unique Taurus SHO Grille, which features Piano Black mesh. Sporty additions available on this car are the Unique Spoiler and the Chrome-Tipped Dual Exhaust. Meanwhile, the inside is a great blend of modern innovation and practicality. The sweeping center console makes it easy for you to access controls while keeping your focus on the road. 

Additionally, the ambient lighting and Multi-contour Front Seats with Active Motion are great touches that add style and comfort. Completing the interior is the technological additions. The Ford Taurus comes available with HD Radio Technology or the available Sony Audio System, which features 12 speakers to deliver rich sound.

In comparison, the Nissan Altima has an aerodynamic exterior design that is eye-catching and functional, as the shape of the car reduces drag to improve efficiency. The Altima also comes with attractive touches such as dual chrome exhaust finishers and projector-type halogen headlights. Step inside the Altima to discover a modern interior that is spacious and fun. 

The 60/40 split fold-down rear seat is the perfect way for you to create more space to transport items. Moreover, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display uses a 4.3-inch LCD screen in the center of your instrument cluster to give you important information such as directions, text messages or service alerts. Completing the interior is the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to control your phone and audio options with ease from your steering wheel controls.

Performance

The Ford Taurus gives you access to three different engine options. The standard option is 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost engine, which is the best in class in fuel economy with 32 mpg on the highway. Next up is the 3.5L Ti-VCT, six-cylinder engineer that is available in the SE, SEL and Limited Models. Lastly, if you crave power and a sporty driving experience, then the 3.5L EcoBoost, six-cylinder engine paired with the sports-tuned suspension system, is the perfect combination for you.

Meanwhile, the Nissan Altima delivers power and efficiency with its 2.5L, four-cylinder engine. The result is great acceleration with its 182 horsepower output. It will also save you in fuel costs with its 38 mpg on the highway. This car also comes with Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission. With the CVT, it uses a single belt to operate more efficiently, thereby helping you receive a smoother driving experience.

Safety

Ford designed the Taurus model with safety in mind. This car comes equipped with many of Ford's innovative features such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Park Assist and the Lane-Keeping System. These systems work together to help you remain aware of your surroundings so you can make safer decisions. 

The Nissan Altima also offers a handsome array of safety features. The vehicle's Dynamic Control with Traction control system can reduce engine speed and apply braking when it senses you have under- or over-steered. The result is a responsive vehicle that can help you control it in a wide variety of conditions. The Altima also comes with Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System. This system is impressive as it features unique additions like dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors, which can measure the severity of the crash and inflate to the appropriate levels to provide protection to you and your passengers.

Warranty

Ford offers a great warranty on their new vehicles. They offer bumper to bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. They also offer the five-year/60,000-mile power-train warranty, and the safety restraint system falls under these same conditions.

Nissan delivers similar warranties for their vehicles. When you buy a new Altima, you will receive a 36-month/36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage. Meanwhile, the power-train warranty is for five years or 60,000 miles. If the Altima has the CVT, you receive a 10-year/120,000-mile warranty extension for your transmission.

Vehicle Comparison 

While both cars offer a wealth of great features, the Ford Taurus is the better buy. For one, you receive more engine choices, which can help you customize the ride to your liking. Further, the Ford Taurus comes with a wealth of great technological features such as Active Park Assist, features of which its Nissan counterpart does not offer. Overall, in a Ford Taurus vs. Nissan Altima comparison, the Ford Taurus comes out on top by offering great value.

If you are ready to test drive the Ford Taurus, visit McCafferty Ford Sales Inc. in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.