2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Sentra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Sentra (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Nissan Sentra (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
