Comparison Test to Gain a Place Under the Sun!
Hyundai Accent GLS and the Nissan Versa 1.6 SL are both subcompact sedans. However, these cars have to compete with a lot of other cars in order to gain their place under the Sun. The competition includes Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and the new substitute of Chevrolet Aveo, named Chevrolet Sonic. However, in this article we are going to make a comparison of Hyundai Accent`s and Nissan Versa`s capabilities.
Both Cars are Big and Comfortable!
These cars may look small when taking into consideration current standards. However, if you compare these models with their first versions you will see that these cars are rather big. The first Hyundai Accent, for example, appeared in 1195 and was 162.1 inches long and had a wheelbase of 94.5 inches. The new 2012 Hyundai Accent has a wheelbase of 101.2 inches and is 172 inches long. The case is the same with Nissan Versa as well. Nissan Centra firs entered the market in 1191 and had a length of 170.3 inches and a wheelbase of 95.7 inches. The new 2012 Nissan Versa with 4 doors, on the other hand, has length of 175.4 inches and a wheelbase of 102.4 inches. As far as the price is in question, these cars are quite cheap and automatic transmission is included in the cars` equipment.
You get what you pay for! According to the price of these two cars you might think that you pay for limited spaciousness which is absolutely untrue. Both cars are comfortably enough to include 4 passengers. When urgent, they have room even for 5 a bit squeezed persons. Furthermore, these cars have spacious trunks. In short, the cars satisfy 99% of the needs of 99% of population.
When you measure the cars you get more or less the same results. The hip-room and the shoulder room of the Accent are 2 inches bigger than those of the Versa. The front legroom is the same in both cars, about 41.8 inches, but the stretch room of the Accent is wider and is 37 inches, while the one of the Nissan is 33.3 inches. However, Versa`s trunk, being 14.8 cubic feet, is larger than the one of the Accent, being 13.7 cubic feet. In short, if you have tall kids choose the Versa, otherwise the Accent is slightly better option.
Simple but Functional Mechanics!
As far as the mechanics is concerned, the following items are to be found in both cars: all aluminum 1.6- liter DOHC engine with 4 cylinders and 16 valves and variable valve timing, standard ABS and brake force distribution, mandated stability control, electrically assisted power rack-and-opinion steering.
However, there are also differences between these cars. Hyundai Accent, for example has a direct fuel injection engine. Furthermore, the Accent`s transmission system is more sophisticated unlike the one of the Versa which is more humble. Consequently, even the gear ratio is more or less the same; still, Accent`s transmission system is more agile. Hyundai Accent develops 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, while the Versa develops 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Additionally, the Accent has torque of 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm, while Nissan Versa has torque of 107 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.
Performance Comparison!
When talking about speed, Hyundai Accent is certainly faster than Nissan Versa. Hyundai Accent weight is 2,569 pounds and develops speed of 0-60 mph in only 9.8 seconds. It runs a quarter mile in 17.1 seconds with speed of 81.2 mph. Nissan Versa, on the other hand, has weight of 2,461 pounds and develops speed of 60 mph in 10.4 seconds. It runs a quarter mile in 17.6 seconds with speed of 79.0 mph. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, Hyundai Accent again wins over Nissan Versa. According to EPA`s data, Accent has fuel consumption of 30 mpg in city and 40 mpg on highway, while Versa has fuel consumption of 30 mpg in city and 38 mpg on highway. However, the results of a practical test drive showed fuel of 28 mpg and 28.1 mpg for Accent and Versa respectively. And, finally, when talking about stopping the car, Hyundai Accent is again better with 123 meters to stop from 60 mph, while the Versa needed 128 meters to stop from 60 mph. Additionally, the Versa needed more attention paid to the steering when stopping the car.
Accent`s Drive was Smoother and More Pleasant!
When it comes to steering and controlling both cars, the Accent again proved to offer more enjoyable ride than the Versa. Accent`s slalom performance is 64.6 mph on a 600 feet slalom track, while Versa`s performance is 62.4 mph. The vehicles use different types of tires and those of the Accent are better. Furthermore, Accent`s drive was smoother and more pleasant. Additionally, due to better suspension system and better tires, Accent`s drive was safer and offered better control over the vehicle. The very easy transmission system makes a great contribution to the fact that the Accent makes the driver feel secure and calm. On the other hand, Versa`s drive makes the man behind the steering wheel rather stressed out. Traction remains great problem and the CVT transmission may not be that bad, but compared to the six-speed transmission of the Accent, you get a bit disappointed.
What about the Looks?
We are now taking the comparison between these vehicles to a completely new level. Up to now, Hyundai Accent proved to be faster than Nissan Versa and the vehicle with better performance. But, what about the looks? Hyundai Accent wins again! It is understandable that nobody would like a car that has an exterior that even at first sight says “inexpensive”. Accent, on the other side, has very good external design just as that of Elantra and Sonata. Versa`s exterior is not even worth comparing with the one of the Accent. But it is not only the exterior. Accent`s interior is also far better than the one of the Versa. Versa`s interior is in one color which makes it dull and cheap-looking. The design of the steering wheel is satisfactory, but it is a bit bald, as is the rim. To speak honestly, Accent`s interior is not classy at all, but is certainly more appealing than the one of the Versa due to the fact that it is more colorful including colors such as matte black, vanilla and silver.
A Clear Win for the Hyundai Accent!
When we take into consideration everything that was compared, it is clear that Hyundai Accent wins over Nissan Versa in most of the significant categories. It is also a fact that the Versa is less expensive (195 dollars price difference) and has minor advantages regarding some internal details. However, when choosing between these two vehicles, it is more than clear which one you should opt for.
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