The 2023 Subaru WRX has a dynamic rally car heritage and it propels you forward with a flat-four engine, agile handling and an outstanding Subaru all-wheel drive system that's so good it's patented. The 2023 Nissan Altima is another compact sedan that comes rolling into 2023 with new wheels and new LED headlights. Both these models are very attractive and might be together on your shopping list. Here's a comparison from us at Classic Subaru of Atlanta to show you why we believe the Subaru WRX is the better choice.
A comparison of engines
The 2023 Subaru WRX leaps out to an early lead with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four cylinder engine. It comes with 271 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque that can be routed through a standard 6 speed manual for a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Nissan Altima starts out in a weak spot with a more conventional 2-liter four-cylinder engine that can generate only 188 horsepower.
A comparison of performance
The 2023 Subaru WRX has been clocked by the experts at Car and Driver with its 6-speed manual transmission and zoomed from zero to 60 mpg in just 5.5 seconds. The Nissan Altima did very well but couldn't quite keep up with the Subaru WRX. The Altima went from zero to 60 mph taking 5.8 seconds to do the job.
The Subaru WRX did the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 101 mph. The Nissan Altima was quite a bit slower covering the quarter-mile, taking 16.1 seconds and falling well behind the WRX. The Subaru WRX gives you a lot to like and will impress you with its speed in a hurry. The Nissan Altima does its best but just isn't in the same league.
A comparison of drive systems
The Subaru WRX, like nearly all Subaru models, comes with Subaru's patented Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. When you get into a slippery situation, you are going to be very glad that's the drive system underneath you. Subaru's patented drive system sends power to whichever wheels are getting the most traction. That helps pull you up and out of ice, snow, sleet or mud in ways that a conventional all-wheel drive system can't do.
Speaking of conventional, the Subaru Altima comes standard with a front-wheel drive system that doesn't represent any major engineering innovation. While Subaru's all-wheel drive system is standard on every model, you have to pay extra for the Nissan Altima's all-wheel drive system and it isn't nearly as groundbreaking. The Nissan system transfers power between front and rear wheels when a change in in road conditions is detected but it's not as sophisticated as the Subaru system.
A comparison of interiors
Because the Subaru WRX comes from a rally car heritage, the cabin is sporty enough to distinguish itself from other, more ordinary compact sedans. The flat bottom steering wheel give the WRX a level of pizzazz the Nissan Altima can't match. In fact, one reviewer noted that the Nissan Altima's interior feels less refined and less upscale than many of its competitors. We believe the sporty Subaru WRX is one of those competitors.
A comparison of infotainment technology
Both the Subaru WRX and the Nissan Altima come with a standard 7-inch touch screen and a six-speaker stereo. But the upgrades are where the Subaru WRX wins on two more major points. Subaru lets you upgrade to a big 11.6-inch touch screen and an 11-speaker stereo. The Nissan Altima limits you to an 8-inch display and a 9-speaker stereo. Test drive the winner soon at Classic Subaru in Atlanta GA.
