2008 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 6 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 6 weights approximately 456 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Mazda 6 (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 6 | 1996 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |
