1995 BMW 317 vs. 1996 Mazda Sentia
To start off, 1996 Mazda Sentia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 317 would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda Sentia (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda Sentia should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 351 kg more than 1995 BMW 317. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317. 1996 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 1996 Mazda Sentia | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 317 | Sentia |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
