Price-to-value comparison: nissan sentra vs mazda 3 – which sedan gives you the most bang for your buck?
What To Know
- The Mazda 3, with its more powerful engine, has a slightly lower fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission.
- The Mazda 3 offers a more premium experience and a more powerful engine, but the Nissan Sentra provides a more affordable option with a spacious cabin and a solid set of features.
- However, if you seek a more upscale interior, a more powerful engine, and a more engaging driving experience, the Mazda 3 is the superior option.
In the competitive world of compact sedans, the Nissan Sentra and Mazda 3 stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and performance, making them popular choices among drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Nissan Sentra vs Mazda 3 to help you make an informed decision about your next automotive purchase.
Exterior Design
The Nissan Sentra boasts a sleek and modern exterior, featuring a sharp grille, sleek headlights, and a flowing roofline. The Mazda 3, on the other hand, exudes a more upscale and sporty aesthetic, with its signature “Kodo” design language characterized by a bold grille, angular headlights, and a muscular body.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Nissan Sentra offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five. The dashboard is straightforward and intuitive, featuring a user-friendly infotainment system. The Mazda 3 provides a more premium interior experience, with high-quality materials, a well-equipped dashboard, and a sophisticated infotainment interface.
Performance and Handling
The Nissan Sentra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda 3 offers a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available as an option for the Sentra and the Mazda 3. In terms of handling, the Mazda 3 exhibits a more agile and sporty character, while the Sentra offers a more comfortable and composed ride.
Fuel Efficiency
The Nissan Sentra has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the CVT. The Mazda 3, with its more powerful engine, has a slightly lower fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Sentra and Mazda 3 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Mazda 3, however, offers a more advanced suite of driver-assist technologies, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Price and Value
The Nissan Sentra has a starting price of $19,990, while the Mazda 3 starts at $24,250. The Mazda 3 offers a more premium experience and a more powerful engine, but the Nissan Sentra provides a more affordable option with a spacious cabin and a solid set of features.
The Verdict: A Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Sentra vs Mazda 3 depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, the Nissan Sentra is an excellent choice. However, if you seek a more upscale interior, a more powerful engine, and a more engaging driving experience, the Mazda 3 is the superior option.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Mazda 3 has a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Sentra has a slightly better fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
Q: Which car has more advanced safety features?
A: The Mazda 3 offers a more advanced suite of driver-assist technologies, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Q: Which car is more affordable?
A: The Nissan Sentra has a starting price of $19,990, which is more affordable than the Mazda 3’s starting price of $24,250.
Q: Which car is more spacious?
A: The Nissan Sentra offers a more spacious cabin with more headroom and legroom for passengers.
Q: Which car has a better infotainment system?
A: The Mazda 3 has a more sophisticated infotainment interface with a larger touchscreen and more advanced features.
Q: Which car has a better warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Sentra and Mazda 3 come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.