2010 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 30 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2010 Mazda RX-8 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
