Nissan Altima Top Speed: How Fast Is It?

in Model Info and Features
Black Nissan Altima parked outside

Source: Flickr

The Nissan Altima’s helpful mid-size shape and exceptional fuel efficiency have made it a fan favorite over the years. It offers several excellent trims and plenty of upgrade options for interested parties. If you’re looking at a Nissan Altima and want a little more kick out of your vehicle, you might wonder - what is the Nissan Altima top speed?

Those hunting for more information about the top speed of the Nissan Altima will find their fill of information right here. Knowing how fast your vehicle can go is a great thing, especially for those seeking to maximize their performance on the road. Read on to learn more about how fast the Altima is and other helpful speed-related information. 

How Fast is the Nissan Altima?

The best and latest information for the Nissan Altima top speed seems to be from 2021. According to sterlingmccallnissan.com, the Nissan Altima will tap out at an estimated 119-130 miles per hour depending on the trim - the speed can kick up with upgrades. The Altima can go from 0-60 in 5.8-7.4 seconds, which is impressive for the vehicle.

If different trim levels contain different components, they will likely differ in their speed. This statement is true for the Nissan Altima - variations in trim level mean some are faster than others at their fastest. Typically, this difference is rooted in the engine and how the vehicle is constructed. We will dive into this information a little later. 

The horsepower also differs for the Nissan Altima. The vehicle is capable of offering 188-248 horsepower, depending on the engine and trim level of the machine. There is one trim in particular that stands out as the fastest, which we’ll dive into a little bit for those who want the speediest Nissan Altima and don’t care as much about the price point.

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Speed By Nissan Altima Trim 

The trim you select for your Nissan Altima will impact how fast your car can go. Though most of them are the same, there is one significant standout in the trim lineups. We will again focus on the 2021 version, as there is the most updated information thus far.

According to sterlingmccallnissan.com, here is the 0-60 mph acceleration ability and the maximum mph based on trim:

  • Nissan Altima S: 7.4 seconds, 188 hp
  • Nissan Altima SV: 7.4 seconds, 188 hp
  • Nissan Altima SR: 7.4 seconds, 188 hp
  • Nissan Altima SR VC-TURBO: 5.8 seconds, 248 hp
  • Nissan Altima SL: 7.4 seconds, 188 hp
  • Nissan Altima PLATINUM: 7.4 seconds, 188 hp

The Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo trim is far faster than the others.

If you’re okay with a 7.4 second 0-60 acceleration and a maximum strength of 188 horsepower, you can go with any trim of the Nissan Altima. However, if you want speed, pick the Turbo trim. Note that this trim comes in the middle of the pack when considering the price point.

What Engines Does the Nissan Altima Possess?

The engine also makes a significant difference in the top speed of the Nissan Altima, as we touched on above. With variations in speed and power come alternative engine options.

Here are the two available engines in the Nissan Altima:

  • 2.5L 4-cylinder
  • 2.0-L VC-Turbo™ 4-cylinder

Each provides an exciting kick to the Nissan Altima.

Most trims of the Nissan Altima are equipped with the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine system, which offers the 7.4 second 0-60 mph progression and 188 horsepower on the move. It’s only the Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo that provides the more exciting s2.0-L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine with faster acceleration, horsepower, and overall speed.

Is A Nissan Altima Faster Than an Accord?

There is some significant competition in the mid-size market, as it’s a packed segment and there are many competitors. The Nissan Altima is one of the top players, but it’s not without its competition. One of its biggest is the Accord - how do they stack up in speed?

According to petronissan.com, the Nissan Altima comes out on top in this category. The fastest trim of the Nissan Altima accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the fastest Honda Accord is only able to manage it in 6.6 seconds.

The Altima also comes in swinging with better horsepower and torque than the competing Accord. The Altima has a maximum horsepower of 248 in the best trim, while the Accord is only capable of bringing 204 horsepower to the table in its strongest trim.

ARE NISSAN ALTIMAS GOOD CARS?

Are Nissan Altimas good cars? We aim to evaluate the Nissan Altima as a potential purchase for interested buyers.

What Is The Fastest Nissan?

When looking at the Nissan Altima top speed, it’s helpful to consider other creations from the Nissan name. What is the fastest car they’ve ever created and how does the Nissan Altima measure up to it?

According to woodhousenissan.com, the fastest Nissan is the Nissan GT-R Nismo. This incredible vehicle is capable of hitting 196 miles per hour with a 3.8-liter V6 bi-turbo engine. It also is capable of going from 0-60 miles per hour in an incredible 2.6 seconds, which is a powerful competitor to the fastest machines on the market. 

The Nissan GT-R Nismo is a luxury sports car, so you’ll find the price point around $220,000. While it’s much faster than the Altima, the Altima is much cheaper - which is a win for the general car-driving audience.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan Altima top speed is 119-130 miles per hour, and the vehicle can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds at its fastest. It’s also capable of hitting a maximum of 248 horsepower on the most powerful trim. Though it isn’t the best, it’s a solid contender in the mid-size market. 

We hope this information is helpful! The Nissan Altima is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smaller car capable of hitting excellent speeds. If you want the fastest vehicle, we recommend going with the Turbo trim to ensure you can hit the maximum speed and power the Altima is capable of on the market.

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