2009 Nissan Sentra vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 472 kg more than 2002 Smart ForFour. 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 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour. 2002 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Sentra | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Nissan | Smart |
| Model | Sentra | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
