2004 Nissan Sentra vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Sentra. (127 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Mazda 3 (183 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Sentra. (175 Nm). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Sentra | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Sentra | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1301 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
