2008 BMW X3 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 X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 374 kg more than 2011 Nissan Sentra.
Because 2008 BMW X3 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 X3. 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, 2008 BMW X3 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Sentra. (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Sentra. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | X3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
