2002 Nissan Sentra vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Nissan Sentra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Sentra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 170 kg more than 2002 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Sentra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Nissan Sentra (245 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm). This means 2002 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Sentra | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentra | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
