Battle Of The Compact Sedans: Dodge Dart Vs Nissan Altima – Which One Drives Your Dreams?

The automotive industry is brimming with a diverse range of sedans, each vying for the attention of discerning drivers. Two such contenders are the Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima, both offering a compelling blend of performance, features, and style. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two sedans, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Efficiency:

1. Powertrains:

• Dodge Dart: The Dart offers a range of engine options, including a spirited 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine that generates 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more exhilaration, the Dart GT boasts a potent 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, unleashing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
• Nissan Altima: The Altima’s powertrain lineup includes a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Drivers seeking enhanced performance can opt for the Altima SR, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Dodge Dart: The Dart impresses with its fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine. The Dart GT, despite its spirited performance, still manages an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
• Nissan Altima: The Altima offers commendable fuel economy, with the 2.5-liter engine returning an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The Altima SR, with its V6 engine, delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort:

1. Cabin Design:

• Dodge Dart: The Dart’s cabin exudes a youthful and sporty vibe, featuring a driver-centric layout with easy-to-reach controls. The materials used are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are impressive.
• Nissan Altima: The Altima’s interior is characterized by its spaciousness and refinement. The cabin is well-appointed, with soft-touch materials and intuitive controls. The front seats provide ample support and comfort, even on long journeys.

2. Passenger Space:

• Dodge Dart: The Dart offers generous legroom and headroom for front-seat occupants, but rear-seat passengers may find it a bit cramped. The trunk space is adequate for daily errands but might be limiting for larger cargo.
• Nissan Altima: The Altima excels in providing ample space for both front and rear-seat passengers. The rear seats offer excellent legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for taller individuals. The trunk is also more spacious, accommodating larger items with ease.

3. Features and Amenities:

• Dodge Dart: The Dart comes well-equipped with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels add features like heated front seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system.
• Nissan Altima: The Altima offers a comprehensive suite of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system. Advanced features like a panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera are available in higher trim levels.

Safety and Reliability:

1. Safety Features:

• Dodge Dart: The Dart comes standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
• Nissan Altima: The Altima boasts an impressive array of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are available in higher trim levels.

2. Reliability:

• Dodge Dart: The Dodge Dart has a mixed reputation for reliability. While some owners have reported few issues, others have experienced problems with the transmission, engine, and electrical system.
• Nissan Altima: The Nissan Altima generally has a good reputation for reliability. It has received positive ratings from various automotive review websites and consumer surveys, with owners reporting fewer problems compared to the Dodge Dart.

Price and Trim Levels:

1. Pricing:

• Dodge Dart: The Dodge Dart’s pricing starts at around $20,000 for the base SE trim level. The GT trim, with its more powerful engine, starts at around $25,000.
• Nissan Altima: The Nissan Altima’s pricing starts at around $25,000 for the base S trim level. The SR trim, with its V6 engine, starts at around $30,000.

2. Trim Levels:

• Dodge Dart: The Dodge Dart is offered in four trim levels: SE, SXT, GT, and Limited. Each trim level offers a unique combination of features and amenities, allowing buyers to choose the Dart that best suits their needs and budget.
• Nissan Altima: The Nissan Altima is offered in six trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, Platinum, and Edition ONE. Similar to the Dart, each trim level of the Altima offers a distinct set of features and amenities, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets.

Takeaways: The Verdict

The Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima are compelling choices in the sedan segment, each offering unique strengths and characteristics. The Dart appeals to drivers seeking a sporty and engaging driving experience, while the Altima excels in providing a comfortable and spacious interior, along with a comprehensive suite of features. Ultimately, the choice between these two sedans depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Q: Which car offers better fuel efficiency, the Dodge Dart or Nissan Altima?

• A: The Nissan Altima generally offers better fuel efficiency compared to the Dodge Dart. The Altima’s 2.5-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the Dart’s 2.4-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

2. Q: Which car has a more spacious interior, the Dodge Dart or Nissan Altima?

• A: The Nissan Altima offers a more spacious interior compared to the Dodge Dart. The Altima provides ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear-seat passengers, while the Dart’s rear seat may feel cramped for taller individuals.

3. Q: Which car offers a better infotainment system, the Dodge Dart or Nissan Altima?

• A: Both the Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima offer user-friendly infotainment systems. The Dart’s system is known for its intuitive interface and quick response times, while the Altima’s system boasts a larger touchscreen and more comprehensive features, including navigation and a Bose premium audio system.