2009 BMW 330 vs. 1996 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 13 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (268 HP @ 6650 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 585 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.
Because 2009 BMW 330 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 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2009 BMW 330 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1996 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 330 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6650 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
