2008 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 316 weights approximately 22 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Because 2008 BMW 316 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 316. 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, 2011 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 316 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1353 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
