1997 Mazda Sentia vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (250 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1997 Mazda Sentia. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 91 kg more than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima, 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda Sentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda Sentia | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Sentia | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2953 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
