2000 Acura RL vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra

To start off, 2000 Acura RL is newer by 4 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Acura RL weights approximately 715 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.

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, 2000 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra. 2000 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2000 Acura RL 1996 Nissan Sentra
Make Acura Nissan
Model RL Sentra
Year Released 2000 1996
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3472 cc 1392 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 205 HP 85 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 304 Nm 118 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1675 kg 960 kg
Vehicle Length 5000 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1680 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2920 mm 2440 mm