1996 Mazda Sentia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 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 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 166 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1996 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda Sentia | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentia | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2578 mm |
