2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1995 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1995 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Sentra. (119 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1995 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
