2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 67 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1353 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
