2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Sentra (126 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 11 kg more than 2005 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2005 Nissan Sentra (175 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2005 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1770 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
