1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Sentra (138 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 435 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Nissan Sentra (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Accord | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
