2008 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Mazda Sentia
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda Sentia (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda Sentia should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1997 Mazda Sentia.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda Sentia. 1997 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1997 Mazda Sentia | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | Sentia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
