2008 Nissan Altima-concerned about it's size.....

I currently drive a Toyota 4runner. I am thinking about getting a new 2008 Nissan Altima. The 4runner weighs about 4500 lbs and the Altima weights about 3350 lbs. My parents taught me to get a larger vehicle simply because if I got into a crash "I wanted to win"......They are mainly thinking about head on collisions or side impact collisions and they think worse case.

With that in mind do you guys think I would be safe driving a Nissan Altima. It has great crash tests, but at the same time it is a lighter vehicle. With all the improvements in safety do you guys think it would still get a "5 star" and "Good" ratings from the front and offset crash tests if it hit a larger vehicle? I thinking a head on collision against something big like a Dodge Ram.


I read an article at one point on msnbc.com saying that curb weight is not as important these days because once you get above 3000 pounds you have enough weight behind you that is doesn't really matter. Any truth to this?

Also, I am familiar with the rollover danger of my vehicle. However, I have been driving trucks and SUVs for the last 10 years, so at this point for me I would say that is not a factor for me.

omelet1978 said:

My parents taught me to get a larger vehicle simply because if I got into a crash "I wanted to win"......

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arghh, that's the attitude that is the problem, not the solution. do a forum search for "nuclear arms race".

Nuclear arms race hugh........so I take it you are saying that my parents views on vehicle size are outdated?

omelet1978 said:

Also, I am familiar with the rollover danger of my vehicle. However, I have been driving trucks and SUVs for the last 10 years, so at this point for me I would say that is not a factor for me.

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I'll admit that I am far from being an expert in crash ratings of cars etc.

But I wanted to point out that just because you don't have a fear of roll-overs, likely due to the fact that you have been driving trucks/suvs for a long time without it happening, does not mean that it is not still a risk. You are allowing your perception to trump reality.

I think you would be fine in the Altima.

And what a great site Lovinwaves linked. :thumbsup:

You might be right about complacency. I wrote that because I asked the question before and got a ton of answers about rolling over, but no answers about any other aspect of safety...........

The Altima scores reasonably well in crash tests.
IIHS (that's for 2007)
NHTSA (2008)

If Side Airbags are optional in the '08 model, that's an option I'd want. Previous years did poorly when tested in side impacts without them.

Hope that helps.