2004 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 333 kg more than 2009 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2004 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (233 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2009 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
