1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
