2003 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2003 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 541 kg more than 2003 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart ForTwo. (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Smart | Nissan |
| Model | ForTwo | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 55 L |
