2010 Nissan Sentra vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Sentra. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 174 kg more than 2010 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 1 Series 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 2012 BMW 1 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Sentra. (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Nissan Sentra | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Sentra | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1396 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4575 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1511 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2685 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
