2009 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 1 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (251 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 950 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Nissan Sentra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Audi | Nissan |
| Model | A3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
