1995 Nissan Sentra vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 700 kg more than 1995 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Nissan Sentra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Sentra. (119 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Sentra. 2009 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1995 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 1995 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan Sentra | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
