1990 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 626. (116 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 115 kg more than 1990 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mazda 626 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Sentra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 626 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 626. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 626 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2685 mm |
