2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute is newer by 7 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Tribute (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 465 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.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Nissan Sentra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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, 2003 Mazda Tribute (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 1996 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Tribute | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
