1998 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Sentra, 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1996 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
