2009 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1998 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1998 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
