Are the differences between the Nissan Altima and Nissan Altima Hybrid worth the cost difference?

I am committed to purchasing a Nissan Altima. I really like this car and was excited to read about tax credits that may be available for purchasing a hybrid car, but I am still not convinced that the hybrid is a "better" car than a standard Altima. The cost differences that I've seen are in the $7k range. I am leaning towards 2009 models, but am willing to consider 2008 and 2010 models as well.|||well i think getting a hybrid is a waste of time, and money. its 7000 more then the regular one, but you get 2000 back from the government. the Altima gets GREAT mpg's. i know, since im renting one. i had a charger on Monday and went through a quarter tank in ONE day. i went through a quarter and a half in the Altima from Tuesday until Friday. so if you must spend the 7000, why not just get a fully loaded Altima (:|||Make sure the tax credits are available on used car. Hybrid Altima's are available east coast and west coast also out of rent a car fleets. So be careful check your states and federal tax before signing on the dotted line.|||yes