2008 Honda Accord Coupe vs 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe - Comparison

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE

Unlike the Eclipse, which received minor upgrades for 2008, the Altima and Accord coupes are all new for this year. The Altima Coupe was first out of the gate as the sophomore-year addition to the sedan's 2007 launch.

At first glance, it's a sharp-looking vehicle, blessed with the lean, clean profile and haunches seemingly grafted from the Infiniti G37.

Like its luxury cousin, the two-door Altima is eager to run-its power coming from a 3.5-liter, 270-horse V-6 that's the burliest of the bunch. Too bad its shoes are better suited for PTA meetings than track meets. The Altima's standard-equipment all-season Bridgestones are an inch smaller and 20 mm narrower than the competition's and seemingly entirely devoid of grip. Simple clutch drops set the front wheels spinning on command-hooligan fun, but not the fastest way around the track.

Still, the Altima's balanced attack of power and handling make it a favorite in Ojai. Says Kiino, "The Altima has a sweet chassis that's more willing to rotate than the Accord's. Good grip but could certainly benefit from better tires. I'd like a firmer suspension, too, but the compromise is good in this car-plenty of sport with just the right amount of luxury."

St. Antoine chimes in: "Probably the best steering in the group, though it's a bit light. Very accurate and full of feedback. Typical of Nissan, the chassis is quite well balanced, and though the Accord feels like it can corner harder and even do it easier, the Nissan is a lot of fun and very responsive."

Sounds like the Altima's sporting credentials check out, but why does it finish a close second to the Accord? On paper, their differences seem invisible, or at worst, inconsequential, but it all becomes crystal clear from the driver's seat-of the Accord.