2012 Nissan Sentra vs. 2013 Nissan ALTIMA
To start off, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Nissan Sentra would be higher. Both 2012 Nissan Sentra and 2013 Nissan ALTIMA are equipped with a 2,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA. (173 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 16 kg more than 2013 Nissan ALTIMA. 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, 2013 Nissan ALTIMA (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan ALTIMA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Sentra | 2013 Nissan ALTIMA | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Sentra | ALTIMA |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | CVT | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4575 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1511 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2685 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
