2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded an aquatic elegance reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, contributed to its unique appearance. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials enhancing the overall feel. The off-white Ivory leather in the test car contrasted beautifully with the black cabin and Tanzanite Blue exterior, showcasing BMW's commitment to quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima presented a sleek and aerodynamic profile with its V-Motion grille and coupe-like roofline. While its stance appeared slightly old-fashioned, modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept it contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. As one moved up the trim levels, the interior materials improved, offering a more premium feel. The Altima's design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was renowned for its sporty handling, thanks to significant structural and suspension changes. The M340i trim, with its 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivered an impressive 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The rear-biased xDrive AWD drivetrain, M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes enhanced its performance. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic transmission, combined with paddle shifters, provided a thrilling driving experience. The M340i's powertrain could accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, making it a favourite among driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Its Xtronic CVT and standard AWD system provided a balanced driving experience, with the ability to send up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Altima's fuel consumption ratings were competitive, and its four-wheel independent suspension offered decent feedback and feel. While it lacked the performance edge of the BMW, the Altima provided a reliable and efficient ride for everyday driving.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered supportive front seats that were both comfortable and accommodating. Equipped with high-quality leather and heated features, the M340i xDrive was ready for various weather conditions. However, rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward. The interior featured a widescreen infotainment system and a generous storage space, with a trunk capacity of 479 litres. Despite its deep trunk, the narrow design limited its cargo capacity compared to typical family sedans.

The 2021 Nissan Altima boasted Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. The front cabin offered ample storage and convenience features, including a large glovebox and centre console storage. The rear seats were spacious, with enough room for two adults comfortably. The trunk, with a capacity of 436 litres, was practical for everyday use. The Altima's interior was designed with family needs in mind, providing a comfortable and functional space for passengers.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple ways to interact, making it user-friendly. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was particularly impressive, offering natural command responses. The head-up display was a notable feature, visible even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came equipped with a comprehensive suite of tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system and 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display were standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and a Bose audio system on higher trims. The Altima's technology package was robust, offering a range of features to enhance convenience and connectivity.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package, though some features were deemed abrupt. The lane-keeping assist system was particularly assertive, reminding drivers of their active role. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, ensuring a high level of safety.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on all models. ProPilot Assist on the Platinum grade offered additional highway driving assistance. The Altima also included an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.