Why is Ford doing more than Nissan?

SS_Firehawk

Explain to me "behind the competition"? Last time I checked, getting 38mpg on a 2.5L gas engine is pretty good. And amongst the 4 cylinder mid size, it's been tested to be the fastest along with the Accord. VVEL is still a technological marvel few companies can produce. Getting something like that to operate effectively at 7500rpm is impressive. 350hp from a 3.7 liter engine without the use of direct injection is also unheard of. Sure Porsche engines of similar displacement are pushing 400hp, but again, $80k+ and direct injection. The car wasn't made to compete with the Mustangs and Camaro's in the world, it was the Cayman S. The only thing comparable is the price range. The Juke is selling damn well, they created that market. Your comment about the Evo X having the same tech as the GTR is crap. Last time I checked, the Evo dual clutch tranny didn't last long when power was boosted. the AWD systems are similar, but I would still venture to say that Nissan's electronic diffs react much faster. Aero on the GTR is in a league of it's own, and how is it the GTR achieves similar mpg and makes 250 more hp? 500hp EVO's have been tested against the GTR, they lost. The Leaf, I don't care for, but it's been around longer than any other full electric car. First to market also means first to age. The Titan and Armada are laughable compared to competition, but the Frontier is still competitive with the Tacoma. Outside of that, there aren't any small truck options. Pathfinder is brand new, it's gotten good reviews. Engine is a bit long in the tooth though. The Quest is a good Minivan, but ugly as sin and massive. The Versa is terrible looking, but I wouldn't say it's a bad car, consumers agree, and they are buying them. They do get 40mpg. Sentra gets 39, it's refreshed, again, it wasn't considered crap when reviewed. There are things about Nissan that need updated. V6's do need refreshed, but they are still competitive. The Maxima faired well in it's last comparo and the only things they really complained about was rear seat space and trunk space.

Ford has it's sour apples. The Flex and the Expedition come to mind. The Taurus doesn't sell all that well and the entire Lincoln brand is a sinking ship they are finally trying to save. They made the 13' GT500, an engine so under matched by it's chassis and tires that are woefully inadequate. Last time I looked, it was owned repeatedly by the ZL1, the car it was supposed to stomp to the ground. Their super special Boss got it's @ss handed by the Camaro 1LE at VIR. A car that is 200lbs heavier, longer gearing, and less horsepower.

I can go on and on about each car manufacturer and their issues. I do not believe you are correct when you say Nissan as a company is "behind the competition".

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nuTinmuch

You entirely misread what I had to say. Try again:

Perhaps I should've added "for me" at the end to emphasize I was speaking for myself.

As has been repeated many times in this thread -- yes, the Altima is a good car. It is impressive. But it is not a car I would buy as it is not a segment I am interested in.

But -- even past that -- I don't see how it is innovative. That 38mpg number is nice, but is it really outside of the ballpark of what other manufacturers are giving on their brand new sedans? The Camry is 25/35, the Fusion 22/34 (with 47/47 possible in the hybrid), the Accord is 27/37, and the Optima is 25/35. This makes the Altima a class leader, but if we're realistic all of these numbers will be within +/-1 of each other in the real world. Is this innovation?

The argument that "the Z wasn't made to compete with X" is ********. Who cares? When I drove the Z I wasn't comparing it to a Porsche. I can't afford a Porsche. I was comparing it to the Camaro, Mustang, Evo, STi, 135i, 335i, Genesis Coupe, etc.

The only comparison in the real world (for me) is price. If it costs X, I'm comparing it to other cars that cost X.

Which brings me to...

You missed the point, sort of. My point wasn't that they are comparable performance wise, but that the GT-R's innovations 5 years ago aren't enough to sustain the entire company. Some people in this thread just shout "GT-R!" whenever Nissan is challenged. Yes, yes, the GT-R is awesome. It is my favorite car. I want one. I want five. But who cares? The GT-R isn't what makes Nissan who they are.

Also, yes, Ford does have its bad apples... but let's be realistic -- most are holdovers from their darker days. Likewise, the Boss was beaten -- but it was beaten by a car that was released and developed a year after it was. The 5.0 GT also stomped on the Camaro -- but it also had quite some time to do so. I mean, duh. That's how the pony wars between Chevy and Ford work.

This is purely my opinion... but you're insane. If money was no object and I wanted a car to cruise in, I'd buy a Challenger in a heartbeat. That car is gorgeous.

The new Corvette is gorgeous. The Camaro was an aesthetic darling for a while. The new Chevy line is handsome (the Impala looks pretty good, imo -- as is the Cruze).

The CTS-V sedan and wagon are incredible looking -- the CTS (and ATS) are two of my favorite modern cars purely because of their aesthetics.

There really is no winning in this discussion, though. I think a lot of people are reading my posts as if I'm some huge Ford fanboy. I've never even owned a Ford, nor has anyone in my immediate family. I just think Nissan could be doing a better job -- and I also think that a lot of people in this thread (and forum) have blinders on when it comes to Nissan.

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nuTinmuch! -- Platinum Graphite 370Z -- Check out my Gallery thread here!

Haboob

Definitely, it's all down to opinion, as I don't really care for the older cars, which means I don't care for the retro look on the newer cars nor do I like their incorporation into the new 'Vette.

The Challenger and Charger are boats, for me (Charger has gotten smaller in recent years).

Either way, Ford is doing well putting more (and better) technology in their cars (as far as in-cabin toys and such).

I'm pissed that I paid almost $40k for a car and can't even get a USB port, yet other $27k vehicles have bluetooth, USB, heated seats (cloth), etc.

Rooster89

If the charger came with a stick, I'd work the corner for one. I loved driving the new srt8. a car that big yet drives smaller. plus that 6.4 is amazing. and i know it is truly superfluous but even the cupholders have heating and cooling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just saying

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OG3
Diligentia Vis Celeritas