1996 Mazda Sentia vs. 2008 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2008 Saturn Aura is newer by 12 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 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Aura (253 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 281 kg more than 2008 Saturn Aura.
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, 2008 Saturn Aura, 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, 2008 Saturn Aura (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Aura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda Sentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda Sentia | 2008 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Mazda | Saturn |
| Model | Sentia | Aura |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 253 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
