2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
