2008 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 36 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 2008 BMW 318 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 318. 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, 2008 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
