2009 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 900 kg more than 2009 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 318 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 2009 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (181 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
