2012 Nissan Sentra vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 247 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 2009 BMW 523. 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Sentra | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Sentra | 523 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4567 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1511 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2685 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
