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# Inventor Nastran vs SolidWorks Simulation Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Inventor NastranSolidWorks Simulation[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Inventor Nastran** [

4/5(23)

](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews#reviews)

**SolidWorks Simulation** [

4.4/5(60)

](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Inventor Nastran**
No pricing available

**SolidWorks Simulation**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Inventor Nastran**
Not enough reviews yet

**SolidWorks Simulation**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Inventor Nastran**
Not enough reviews yet

**SolidWorks Simulation**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Inventor Nastran**
$$$$$

**SolidWorks Simulation**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Inventor Nastran**
Not enough reviews yet

**SolidWorks Simulation**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Inventor Nastran**
[
Ease of Use (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2018537&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Setup Ease (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2018549&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Assembly Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2018547&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Meshing Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2018540&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**SolidWorks Simulation**
[
Ease of Use (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1228143&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Accuracy (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1228163&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2364518&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Export Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1227864&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Inventor Nastran**

7.5

7.522

**SolidWorks Simulation**

8.3

8.343

Ease of Use

**Inventor Nastran**

7.1

7.122

**SolidWorks Simulation**

8.4

8.443

Ease of Setup

**Inventor Nastran**
Not enough data

**SolidWorks Simulation**

8.3

8.37

Ease of Admin

**Inventor Nastran**
Not enough data

**SolidWorks Simulation**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Inventor Nastran**

6.6

6.622

**SolidWorks Simulation**

8.4

8.438

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Inventor Nastran**
Not enough data

**SolidWorks Simulation**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Inventor Nastran**

7.3

7.322

**SolidWorks Simulation**

8.3

8.340

Features

Simulation & CAE[Hide 65 FeaturesShow 65 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

8.3

25

Design

3D/solid modeling Tools

Not enough data

9.1(won by default)

22

Drawing Tools

Not enough data

9.0(won by default)

21

Editing Tools

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

22

Rendering tools

Not enough data

8.0(won by default)

21

Stochastic Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Presentation Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Tools

Fluid analysis

Not enough data

8.0(won by default)

20

Finite element analysis

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

22

Multibody dynamics

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

19

Design Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Work

Discrete event modeling

Not enough data

7.5(won by default)

19

Continuous event modeling

Not enough data

7.6(won by default)

19

Mechanical event simulation

Not enough data

8.4(won by default)

20

Manufacturing process simulation

Not enough data

8.1(won by default)

18

Integrate

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

20

Turbulence Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Motion Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dynamic Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mathematical Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agent-Based Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monte Carlo Simulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Environment

Hardware support

Not enough data

8.2(won by default)

19

Task

Not enough data

8.2(won by default)

17

Manage Multiple Profiles

Not enough data

7.8(won by default)

16

Command Clarity

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

21

Additional Functionality

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Verification

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

3D Imaging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Projections

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Design Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Direct Manipulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scenario Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Product Data Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Change Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Process Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Content Library

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Rules-Based Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphical Data Presentation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphical Workflow Editor

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Industry Specific Database

Not enough data

Not enough data

Project Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)[Hide 18 FeaturesShow 18 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

3D/solid modeling Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Rendering Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drawing Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Editing Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Text Editing Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Export Files

Not enough data

Not enough data

Import Files

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Interoperability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Backwards compatibility

Not enough data

Not enough data

File size

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Custom Commands

Not enough data

Not enough data

Custom Scripts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Custom Menus

Not enough data

Not enough data

Custom Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Hardware support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Task-based interfaces

Not enough data

Not enough data

Manage Multiple Profiles

Not enough data

Not enough data

Command Clarity

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Inventor Nastran](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/611be5e7b6e971475120fc8a21b484c7/inventor-nastran.svg "Inventor Nastran")](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews)

Inventor Nastran

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

22.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

36.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

40.9%

[![SolidWorks Simulation](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_239bd9fed8ff51a6b1ba27a52f4ad1df/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation.png "SolidWorks Simulation")](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews)

SolidWorks Simulation

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

42.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

47.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

10.5%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

22.7%

42.1%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

36.4%

47.4%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

40.9%

10.5%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Inventor Nastran](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/611be5e7b6e971475120fc8a21b484c7/inventor-nastran.svg "Inventor Nastran")](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews)
Inventor Nastran

Automotive

31.8%

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

13.6%

Information Technology and Services

13.6%

Staffing and Recruiting

9.1%

Oil & Energy

9.1%

Other

22.7%

[![SolidWorks Simulation](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_239bd9fed8ff51a6b1ba27a52f4ad1df/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation.png "SolidWorks Simulation")](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews)
SolidWorks Simulation

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

22.8%

Design

15.8%

Higher Education

14.0%

Oil & Energy

7.0%

Machinery

7.0%

Other

33.3%

FAQs

## Inventor Nastran vs SolidWorks Simulation FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Inventor Nastran vs SolidWorks Simulation?

SolidWorks Simulation stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction, especially in ease of use and support, while Inventor Nastran is noted for its integration with Inventor Professional and cost-effectiveness.

| [Inventor Nastran](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews) | [SolidWorks Simulation](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.0/5 (23 reviews) | 4.4/5 (60 reviews) |
| — | — |
| — | 8.3 |
| 6.6 | 8.4 |
| Integration with Inventor Professional | Ease of use (4 all-time mentions) |

### How do the pricing models of Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation compare?

SolidWorks Simulation is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing and cost structure.

- **Inventor Nastran:** Reviewers highlight its cost-effectiveness and affordability, especially for educational use and as a user-friendly FEA solver.
- **SolidWorks Simulation:** Reviewers note that while it is more expensive, they are satisfied with the value provided, citing its ease of use and integration as justifying the cost.

### What are the best alternatives to Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation?

The best alternatives to Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation are Inventor, Ansys Fluent, and Ansys Mechanical.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Inventor Nastran](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews) | 4.0/5 (23) | — | Cost-effective and user-friendly | Integration with Inventor Professional |
| [SolidWorks Simulation](https://www.g2.com/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/reviews) | 4.4/5 (60) | — | Expensive for small companies, but high satisfaction | Ease of use (4 all-time mentions) |
| [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) | 4.4/5 (440) | Mid-Market | — | Powerful 3D CAD design capabilities |
| [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) | 4.5/5 (122) | Small-Business | — | Advanced simulation capabilities |
| [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) | 4.4/5 (93) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive mechanical analysis |

### Which Simulation & CAE features should I prioritize when comparing Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation?

Buyers should prioritize ease of use, integration with CAD environments, meshing capabilities, support quality, and cost-effectiveness when comparing Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation.

- **Ease of Use:** Inventor Nastran 7.1, SolidWorks Simulation 8.4; SolidWorks Simulation has 4 all-time mentions for ease of use.
- **Integration with CAD:** Inventor Nastran is frequently cited for its direct integration with Inventor Professional; SolidWorks Simulation is praised for integration with SolidWorks CAD.
- **Meshing Capabilities:** Inventor Nastran has recurring mentions of meshing issues; SolidWorks Simulation has 2 all-time mentions for meshing techniques and some trade-offs noted in reviews.
- **Quality of Support:** Inventor Nastran 6.6, SolidWorks Simulation 8.4.
- **Cost-Effectiveness:** Inventor Nastran is described as cost-effective and affordable in multiple reviews; SolidWorks Simulation is noted as expensive but with high satisfaction.

### What are the pros and cons of Inventor Nastran vs SolidWorks Simulation?

Inventor Nastran's headline strength is its integration with Inventor Professional, while SolidWorks Simulation is most praised for its ease of use.

- **Inventor Nastran strengths:** Integration with Inventor Professional, cost-effectiveness, user-friendly FEA solver, customizable interface, and open license for students.
- **Inventor Nastran trade-offs:** Recurring mentions of meshing issues (1 all-time), confusing interface for configuring contacts and meshes, compatibility issues outside the Autodesk suite, and limited boundary/loading condition management.
- **SolidWorks Simulation strengths:** Ease of use (4 all-time mentions), intuitive interface (2 all-time), strong meshing techniques (2 all-time), accurate results, integrated with SolidWorks CAD, and helpful customer support.
- **SolidWorks Simulation trade-offs:** Noted as expensive for small companies, limited advanced simulation modules, less control over meshing for professionals, and some missing features (2 all-time mentions).

### Is Inventor Nastran or SolidWorks Simulation better for small businesses?

SolidWorks Simulation is better suited for small businesses, as it is rated higher in satisfaction and is widely used in small-business segments.

- **Inventor Nastran:** No small-business segment share is available, but reviewers highlight its affordability and integration with Inventor Professional as positives for cost-conscious users.
- **SolidWorks Simulation:** Reviewers from small businesses consistently praise its ease of use, integration, and support, despite noting higher costs.

### Which Simulation & CAE platform has better integrations?

Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation are at parity for integrations, as neither product has recent reviewer-cited integration themes or counts.

- **Inventor Nastran:** Reviewers mention integration with Inventor Professional in recent reviews.
- **SolidWorks Simulation:** Reviewers highlight integration with SolidWorks CAD in recent reviews.

### How do Inventor Nastran and SolidWorks Simulation compare on customer support?

SolidWorks Simulation scores materially higher on Quality of Support, with an 8.4 versus Inventor Nastran's 6.6.

- **Inventor Nastran:** Reviewers describe support as generally helpful, with scores ranging from 3.0 to 7.0, but some note slow improvements and compatibility issues.
- **SolidWorks Simulation:** Reviewers consistently praise customer support, with multiple reviews citing helpful and timely responses and scores up to 7.0.

### Which is easier to implement, Inventor Nastran or SolidWorks Simulation?

SolidWorks Simulation is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with an 8.3 score and multiple reviewers citing quick and easy implementation.

- **Inventor Nastran:** Reviewers mention that setup is straightforward when integrated with Inventor Professional, but some find the interface confusing for new users.
- **SolidWorks Simulation:** Reviewers consistently highlight its fast learning curve, easy setup, and user-friendly environment, with scores up to 7.0 for ease of setup.

Alternatives

**Inventor Nastran Alternatives**

 ![Ansys Fluent](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f81862c245a1305e970d834eb338dbb0/ansys-fluent.svg "Ansys Fluent")

[
Ansys Fluent
](/products/ansys-fluent/reviews)

 ![Ansys Mechanical](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/844264459ce6e13295aaedf69ddb16a1/ansys-mechanical.svg "Ansys Mechanical")

[
Ansys Mechanical
](/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews)

 ![Abaqus](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d05e3566f966e83e3ef9753e3aed4086/abaqus.png "Abaqus")

[
Abaqus
](/products/abaqus/reviews)

 ![COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_430788c054407e86310771e320229ed1/comsol-multiphysics.jpg "COMSOL Multiphysics®")

[
COMSOL Multiphysics®
](/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews)

**SolidWorks Simulation Alternatives**

 ![Inventor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ce04423e3201c72cb3ff129d2325b8d4/inventor.svg "Inventor")

[
Inventor
](/products/inventor/reviews)

 ![Designcenter](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8d4655b084a2e02363480806f5169b72/designcenter.svg "Designcenter")

[
Designcenter
](/products/designcenter/reviews)

 ![Autodesk Fusion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28ab5b3990e257fc5851e9730734a9cc/autodesk-fusion.svg "Autodesk Fusion")

[
Autodesk Fusion
](/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)

 ![Ansys Mechanical](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/844264459ce6e13295aaedf69ddb16a1/ansys-mechanical.svg "Ansys Mechanical")

[
Ansys Mechanical
](/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews)

## Inventor Nastran vs SolidWorks Simulation

- Reviewers felt that SolidWorks Simulation meets the needs of their business better than Inventor Nastran.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that SolidWorks Simulation is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of SolidWorks Simulation over Inventor Nastran.