1997 Nissan Sentra vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 201 kg more than 1997 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Civic (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Sentra. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Sentra | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Nissan | Honda |
| Model | Sentra | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1167 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
