1998 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 189 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Civic | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2685 mm |
