1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 139 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Nova is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Nova | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1351 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2685 mm |
