2008 Nissan Sentra vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 1007 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Sentra | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Sentra | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2405 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
