2008 BMW 116 vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2008 BMW 116 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 116 (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 116 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 116 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 2008 BMW 116. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2008 BMW 116 (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 116 | 1996 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 116 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
