2001 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 351 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW M3 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 2001 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
