1996 Mazda Sentia vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 16 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1996 Mazda Sentia 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 1996 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda Sentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda Sentia | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | Sentia | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
