Yes, they will last longer and look more expensive
It should not be a problem to put the faucet in, but it won't LOOK right.
The stainless is the same material throughout, while the polished nickel is probably nickel on top of brass. There'll be a slight difference in sheen, and the nickel can eventually wear off to expose the yellow base metal underneath.
Stainless steel cabinet hardware is definitely a better match than satin nickel for todays brushed stainless steel appliances. However, when it comes to stuff like (entry or closet) door handles or lighting trims for example, you'll find that satin nickel is an acceptable match when stainless steel is not an available option.
American Standard Faucet offers a variety of finishes for all types of faucets such as blackened bronze, oil rubbed bronze, polished brass, satin nickel, and traditional stainless steel.
Stainless steel looks shiny. Nickel is duller and darker in color. Stainless looks like the kitchen sink. Nickel more closely matches, well, a nickel. In reality, it is hard to tell the difference. Highly polished nickel is extremely shiny, like a bathroom faucet. That is nickel. Nickels are not made out of nickel anymore anyway. It is too expensive. Nickels and other shiny coins are an aluminum alloy. The above answer is backwards at least with guns. If it is highly polished nickel, it will be very shiny. It it has a duller more bluish look, then it is stainless steel most likely. Take it to your gunsmith for a positive id.
Resists rust better.
Yes, for example, all 400 series stainless steel has no nickel in the alloy.
Yes. Nickel creates stainless steel and the compound creates tires.
chromium and nickel
Stainless steel contain iron (as base) and nickel, chrome, vanadium, etc.
The elements that make up stainless steel are nickel, iron,chromium and manganese.
Important alloying elements in stainless steel are chromium, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum.