I wonder how it compares performance like to the 2.0 NA, manual transmission Honda Civic Sport @ $26-$27k?
I'm always wanting the modern 1970 Datsun 510.
Photography Credit: Guy who dropped it off at the lot
The small, affordable sedan isn’t dead yet. How do we know? The Nissan Sentra exists.
Yes, the idea of affordable is debatable, but in a day and age in which the average new car price in America is hovering around $50,000, the $21,180 starting price of the Sentra doesn’t seem too bad in comparison.
For 2024, the Sentra is available in three different trims: S, SV and SR.
Regardless of trim, all Sentras are powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
The engine is good for 149 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque, with fuel economy rated at 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined for the S and SV trims. Choosing the SR drops highway and combined fuel economy to 38 and 33, respectively.
This week, we’ve been given the keys to an SR-trim Sentra for a few days while we check out a Nissan Sentra Cup race at Lime Rock Park. (Stay tuned for coverage.)
Starting at Logan International Airport, our trek to Lime Rock will consist of city roads, the Mass Pike and some quaint New England roads of the Connecticut countryside–so, a little bit of everything.
While not as inexpensive as the base model, our Sentra loaner carries an MSRP of $24,270–so a difference of about $2400.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to drop them below.
I wonder how it compares performance like to the 2.0 NA, manual transmission Honda Civic Sport @ $26-$27k?
I'm always wanting the modern 1970 Datsun 510.
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
Civic Si is about 50 more horsepower and a 100 less pounds. However, that's just on paper.
En route to the car from the airport terminal.
Sorry misread Sport for Si. Similar power, more weight for the SR. SR has no third pedal.
decent trunk space.
I'm really looking forward to "zero gravity"seats after a long flight. I typically don't go for the zero gravity ones when I fly. 🤣
I assume this car will be appliance level boring (or worse) to drive, but at least it has a cool two tone paint job!
J.A. Ackley said:Sorry misread Sport for Si. Similar power, more weight for the SR. SR has no third pedal.
Go ahead and compare it to the Honda CVT - is the Sentra a non-turbo like the Civic Sport?
Last of the big NA 2.0 liters?
I'm interested to hear your take on it.
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
I hope this helps, a quick little comparison chart:
It was a long ride from Logan International Airport to Lakeville, Connecticut. Much of it was spent in the mundane settings - bumper-to-bumper traffic, interstate driving and slow paces through small towns in northwestern Connecticut.
The one thing that did strike me was how roomy inside it felt. I'm 6'4". The Civic is a much tighter fit for me.
Loved the ergonomics of things, with plenty of buttons instead of only relying on a touchscreen. When driving an unfamiliar car, I prefer buttons as it's easy to remember where things are.
I'll dive into driving dynamics later this trip. I haven't formed a final conclusion yet.
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