2003 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2010 Nissan Sentra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 6 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2010 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
