Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs Nissan Altima Coupe

[Sal Collaziano]

The new Nissan Altima Coupe is going to be a VERY tough challenge for Hyundai. I took a trip to the local Nissan dealership this evening - and the new Altimas (coupe and sedan) are VERY nice - INSIDE and OUT. The fit and finish and interior experience is LEAGUES above the previous model. The exterior is very classy...

The front-end isn't anything special - but the sides and rear-end are intensely nice (in my opinion). And the interior is very comfortable.. The Genesis has the power and the warranty, however.. This is going to be a very interesting competition.

 

[GrandPrix08]

In my opinion, if you are in the market for the power only, Genesis coupe is worth the look, but I don't think it will be a much success for the Genesis coupe, since the segment already is saturated with many, many good sports cars in the market. It will be interesting how Hyundai do it in that tough category.

 

[Michael_S]

The Altima Coupe gets expensive quickly. The base price is $21,000 for the 175 horsepower 4-cylinder and $25,000 for the 270 horsepower V6.

Hyundai could have a price advantage there.

 

[EdVoylesHyundai]

Don't forget the most important aspect of this comparison: RWD > FWD. Genesis Coupe FTW!

The market is saturated with good FWD performance coupes. You can count the ~$30k RWD coupes on one hand. Mustang, 350Z, RX8... Those all match up in interesting ways to the Coupe. I am anxious to get behind the wheel and see how it stacks up.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

That's true - and a BIG plus.. RWD.. And turbo.

 

[gopack504]

Wouldn't the Genesis Coupe compete more directly with the Maxima. It seems like those two would be more comparable in size. The new 2009 Maxima looks really nice, sporty, and smooth. It doesn't look like the old versions at all which I never liked. I'm sure the fully loaded Maxima version with leather seats will price close to the loaded Genesis, if not a little less. I wonder if Nissan will put a hybrid into the Maxima, which they now offer in the Altima.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Wouldn't the Genesis Coupe compete more directly with the Maxima. It seems like those two would be more comparable in size. The new 2009 Maxima looks really nice, sporty, and smooth. It doesn't look like the old versions at all which I never liked. I'm sure the fully loaded Maxima version with leather seats will price close to the loaded Genesis, if not a little less. I wonder if Nissan will put a hybrid into the Maxima, which they now offer in the Altima.

I'm not sure it CAN compete with the Maxima being that there's no Maxima Coupe... The Sedan, maybe - but I think the Genesis Sedan will be a lot nicer than the Maxima - luxury feature-wise...

 

[ConceptVBS]

I think the Genesis Coupe will easily beat the Altima coupe in terms of price per performance value. However, the Altima does have the brand value advantage. For the regular Joe and Jane, the Altima will succeed. However, for people in the know about cars (us auto enthusiasts and those who are not brand snobs), we choose the Gen Coupe over the Altima anyday. Like already mentioned, if you have'nt experienced the surging push of a RWD vehicle (not the usual pull of a FWD), you haven't lived life to the fullest. Plus that spooling turbine with a blow off valve...yikes...I'm already getting goose bumps.!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I think the Genesis Coupe will easily beat the Altima coupe in terms of price per performance value. However, the Altima does have the brand value advantage. For the regular Joe and Jane, the Altima will succeed. However, for people in the know about cars (us auto enthusiasts and those who are not brand snobs), we choose the Gen Coupe over the Altima anyday. Like already mentioned, if you have'nt experienced the surging push of a RWD vehicle (not the usual pull of a FWD), you haven't lived life to the fullest. Plus that spooling turbine with a blow off valve...yikes...I'm already getting goose bumps.!

The performance aftermarket should be better for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.. I'm anxious to see how this all pans out.. We're about a half year away...

 

[Simonwpb]

John Krafcik, Hyundai's vice president for product development and strategic planning in North America, said the Genesis Coupe aims to be the most affordable 300-horsepower vehicle on the market.

Nissan has the advantage in distribution and brand, but if the Gen Coupe is as solid a competitor as the sedan for a *significantly* lower price it will be another incremental step in improving Hyundai's reputation. Keep this up and eventually there will be parity in the eyes of the customer and it will all just be about marketing, features and best value.

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[slowboyy]

the altima is ugly

 

[mkaresh]

As others have noted, FWD vs. RWD is a huge differentiator. I've driven the Altima coupe 3.5--thoroughly boring. If the Genesis isn't far more fun to drive, Hyundai has screwed up.

I've run some price comparisons using TrueDelta's tool.

First, base 2.0T vs. base 2.5--which is down 35 horsepower, but the closest comparison for the 2.0T.

Result: even after a $1,000 rebate the Nissan is only $1,305 less. Adjust for different levels of standard equipment, and the Nissan's advantage shrinks to $200. Easy choice here for anyone who cares about driving.

Second, 3.8 Track vs. loaded 3.5 SE with Premium Package and stability control. Even after the $1,000 rebate, the Altima is only $280 less. The Genesis has $300 in additional features even without factoring in the Brembos and 19s--making them about dead even after a basic features adjustment.

An even easier decision.

Neither comparison includes an adjustment for the Hyundai's longer warranty.

Conclusion: unless someone really cares about the difference in brand name, I don't see a point in buying the Altima.

 

[Blackout]

Hyundai Genesis coupe obliterates the Altima Coupe in almost every way possible. It looks better, is RWD instead of FWD, costs less, has a better warranty, and the being able to have a track ready car straight off the show room floor totally blows the Altima out of the water.