Dodge dart vs. nissan sentra: battle of the compact sedans

The automotive market offers a wide array of compact sedans, with the Dodge Dart and Nissan Sentra standing out as popular choices. Both vehicles boast unique features and advantages, making it crucial for potential buyers to conduct a thorough comparison before making a decision. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Dodge Dart vs. Nissan Sentra, exploring their key specifications, performance, interior, safety, and overall value.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Dodge Dart exudes a bold and muscular stance, with a wide grille, sharp headlights, and a sloping roofline. In contrast, the Nissan Sentra presents a more conservative and aerodynamic design, featuring a V-motion grille, sleek headlights, and a gently sloping roof.

In terms of dimensions, the Nissan Sentra is slightly larger than the Dodge Dart. The Sentra measures 182.4 inches in length, 70.9 inches in width, and 57.9 inches in height, while the Dart measures 182.3 inches in length, 70.5 inches in width, and 56.6 inches in height. The Sentra’s larger size translates into a more spacious interior, especially in the rear seats.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the Dodge Dart offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter Tigershark inline-four with 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four with 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Nissan Sentra has a slight edge over the Dodge Dart. The Sentra delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission, while the Dart achieves 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter engine and 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine.

Interior Comfort and Features

The Dodge Dart‘s interior is characterized by its sporty and aggressive design, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, supportive front seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, offers a more refined and upscale interior, featuring soft-touch materials, comfortable seats, and a well-integrated infotainment system.

In terms of technology, both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the Sentra offers a wider range of advanced safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Safety Features

The Dodge Dart and Nissan Sentra have both received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.

As mentioned earlier, the Nissan Sentra comes standard with a wider range of advanced safety features than the Dodge Dart. These features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Price and Value

The Dodge Dart has a starting price of $20,490, while the Nissan Sentra has a starting price of $19,990. However, it’s important to note that the Sentra offers a more generous standard equipment list, including advanced safety features.

When considering the overall value, the Nissan Sentra presents a more compelling option. It offers a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, a wider range of standard safety features, and a lower starting price.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between the Dodge Dart and Nissan Sentra ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a sporty and aggressive compact sedan with a powerful engine, the Dodge Dart is a good choice. However, if you prioritize fuel economy, interior space, advanced safety features, and overall value, the Nissan Sentra is the better option.

Other Considerations

In addition to the key factors discussed above, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when comparing the Dodge Dart vs. Nissan Sentra:

• Reliability: The Nissan Sentra has a slightly better reliability rating than the Dodge Dart, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
• Resale Value: The Nissan Sentra typically holds its value better than the Dodge Dart, making it a more financially sound investment in the long run.
• Availability: The Nissan Sentra is more widely available than the Dodge Dart, which may be a factor to consider if you live in a remote area.

Final Note: Making an Informed Decision

The Dodge Dart and Nissan Sentra are both solid choices in the compact sedan segment. However, the Nissan Sentra offers a more well-rounded package, with a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, a wide range of standard safety features, and a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which car has a more powerful engine?
The Dodge Dart with the 2.4-liter engine has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Sentra.

2. Which car has a more spacious interior?
The Nissan Sentra has a more spacious interior than the Dodge Dart.

3. Which car has better fuel economy?
The Nissan Sentra has better fuel economy than the Dodge Dart.

4. Which car has more standard safety features?
The Nissan Sentra has more standard safety features than the Dodge Dart.

5. Which car is more reliable?
The Nissan Sentra has a slightly better reliability rating than the Dodge Dart.

6. Which car has a higher resale value?
The Nissan Sentra typically holds its value better than the Dodge Dart.

7. Which car is more widely available?
The Nissan Sentra is more widely available than the Dodge Dart.