Which Nissan Sentra Version Should You Buy?
The Nissan Sentra catalogue covers 12 generation entries, including restylings, from the first-generation Coupe of 1982–1986 to the ninth-generation Sedan starting in 2025. The best choice depends on priorities. For strong acceleration with measured figures, the fifth-generation 2.5 MT with 177 hp reaches 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
The Nissan Sentra catalogue covers 12 generation entries, including restylings, from the first-generation Coupe of 1982–1986 to the ninth-generation Sedan starting in 2025. The best choice depends on priorities. For strong acceleration with measured figures, the fifth-generation 2.5 MT with 177 hp reaches 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. For the lowest measured combined fuel consumption, the seventh-generation 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT both return 6.4 l/100 km. Among later cars, the eighth-generation and restyled eighth-generation 2.0 CVT pair 149 hp with 7.1 l/100 km combined consumption and an 8.8-second 0–100 km/h time. The ninth-generation 2.0 CVT is listed, but most of its specifications are not measured, so the supplied data cannot yet support a numerical comparison.
Nissan Sentra generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from 1982 to 1986, is a Coupe with three listed versions: 1.5 MT and two identical 1.5 AT entries. Each has 75 hp, 105 Nm and a 1487 cc Gasoline engine. Buyers chose between a 4-speed Manual and a 3-speed Automatic, both with FWD.
The second generation ran from 1986 to 1990 as a Coupe. Its two versions, 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT, share a 1600 cc Gasoline engine producing 70 hp. The Manual has 5 speeds, while the Automatic has 3 speeds. Torque and several engine details are not measured.
The third generation, offered from 1990 to 1994, is also a Coupe. Its 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT use a 1596 cc Gasoline engine with 110 hp and 146 Nm. Both are FWD; the Manual has 5 speeds and the Automatic has 4. Combined consumption is 8.9 l/100 km for either version.
The fourth generation ran from 1994 to 1999 and changed the listed body to Sedan. Seven versions span 1.4 MT, two power outputs of 1.6 MT, two power outputs of 1.6 AT, 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT. Output ranges from 86 hp to 142 hp. This generation provides the widest measured performance comparison, with 0–100 km/h times from 12.9 to 8.3 seconds and top speeds from 176 to 211 km/h.
The fifth-generation Sedan, produced from 2000 to 2006, has five entries: 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.5 MT with 167 hp, 2.5 AT with 167 hp, and 2.5 MT with 177 hp. The 177 hp 2.5 MT adds a 6-speed Manual and delivers the quickest measured acceleration in the catalogue.
The sixth-generation Sedan ran from 2006 to 2009, followed by its 2009–2012 restyling. Each phase has four versions: 2.0 CVT, 2.0 MT, 2.5 CVT and 2.5 MT. The specifications remain the same across the original and restyled entries: outputs range from 140 to 200 hp, and every version is FWD.
The seventh-generation Sedan was offered from 2012 to 2015 with four versions: 1.6 CVT, 1.6 MT, 1.8 MT and 1.8 CVT. Its 2016–2019 restyling expands the list to five entries: turbocharged 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT versions with 188 hp, plus three naturally aspirated 1.8 choices with either 124 or 130 hp.
The eighth-generation Sedan ran from 2019 to 2023 with two versions, 2.0 CVT and 1.8 CVT Xtronic. The restyled eighth generation starts in 2023 and lists one 2.0 CVT. Compared with the earlier eighth-generation 2.0 CVT, the restyled car retains 149 hp, 198 Nm and 7.1 l/100 km combined consumption, while tank capacity falls by 3 litres and ground clearance rises by 3 mm.
The ninth-generation Sedan starts in 2025 with one listed 2.0 CVT. It is Gasoline, Variable and FWD, but its power, torque, displacement, performance, economy, weight and dimensional figures are not measured.
Nissan Sentra engine specs comparison
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1.5 MT | 75 hp | 105 Nm | 1487 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.5 AT | 75 hp | 105 Nm | 1487 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 1.5 AT | 75 hp | 105 Nm | 1487 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 MT | 70 hp | not measured | 1600 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 AT | 70 hp | not measured | 1600 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third | 1.6 MT | 110 hp | 146 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.6 AT | 110 hp | 146 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth | 1.4 MT | 86 hp | 114 Nm | 1392 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth | 1.6 MT (107 hp) | 107 hp | 150 Nm | 1597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth | 1.6 AT (107 hp) | 107 hp | 150 Nm | 1597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth | 1.6 MT (117 hp) | 117 hp | 146 Nm | 1597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth | 1.6 AT (117 hp) | 117 hp | 146 Nm | 1597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth | 2.0 MT | 142 hp | 179 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth | 2.0 AT | 142 hp | 179 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth | 1.8 MT | 127 hp | 175 Nm | 1769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth | 1.8 AT | 127 hp | 175 Nm | 1769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth | 2.5 MT (167 hp) | 167 hp | 237 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth | 2.5 AT | 167 hp | 237 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth | 2.5 MT (177 hp) | 177 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Sixth and restyling | 2.0 CVT | 140 hp | 199 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Sixth and restyling | 2.0 MT | 140 hp | 199 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Sixth and restyling | 2.5 CVT | 177 hp | 233 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Sixth and restyling | 2.5 MT | 200 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Seventh | 1.6 CVT | 117 hp | 158 Nm | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Seventh | 1.6 MT | 117 hp | 158 Nm | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Seventh | 1.8 MT | 130 hp | 173 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Seventh | 1.8 CVT | 130 hp | 173 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Seventh restyling | 1.6 MT | 188 hp | 240 Nm | 1618 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Seventh restyling | 1.6 CVT | 188 hp | 240 Nm | 1618 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Seventh restyling | 1.8 CVT (124 hp) | 124 hp | 170 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Seventh restyling | 1.8 MT | 130 hp | 174 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Seventh restyling | 1.8 CVT (130 hp) | 130 hp | 174 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Eighth | 2.0 CVT | 149 hp | 198 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Eighth | 1.8 CVT Xtronic | 124 hp | 177 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | Variable | FWD |
| Eighth restyling | 2.0 CVT | 149 hp | 198 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Ninth | 2.0 CVT | not measured | not measured | not measured | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | Variable | FWD |
Repeated sixth-generation rows represent both the 2006–2009 version and the 2009–2012 restyling; their supplied specifications are identical.
Nissan Sentra horsepower, performance and MPG-equivalent consumption data
The fourth-generation 2.0 MT combines 142 hp with 1125 kg, or about 7.9 kg per hp. It reaches 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and 211 km/h. The 2.0 AT has the same output but weighs 27 kg more, takes 1.4 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h and has a top speed 13 km/h lower. Both record 9.0 l/100 km combined consumption, although the Manual uses 7.6 l/100 km on the highway versus 7.8 for the Automatic.
Within the fifth generation, the 177 hp 2.5 MT has about 7.2 kg per hp and is measured at 7.2 seconds to 100 km/h and 200 km/h. Performance for the 167 hp 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT is not measured. Their combined consumption is 9.0 and 9.4 l/100 km respectively, making the Manual 0.4 l/100 km lower in the supplied cycle.
The sixth-generation 2.5 MT is the catalogue’s most powerful version at 200 hp, giving about 80.4 hp per litre and roughly 7.1 kg per hp. Its acceleration, top speed and consumption are not measured. The 177 hp 2.5 CVT has about 71.1 hp per litre, while both 140 hp 2.0 versions have about 70.1 hp per litre; their performance and economy are also not measured.
The seventh-generation 1.6 MT reaches 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and 192 km/h, while the 1.6 CVT requires 11.3 seconds and reaches 184 km/h. Both return 6.4 l/100 km combined. The CVT uses 0.1 l/100 km less in the city and 0.1 l/100 km less on the highway, but carries 21 kg more kerb weight.
The restyled seventh-generation turbo 1.6 MT and 1.6 CVT each produce 188 hp and 240 Nm, equal to about 116.2 hp per litre. Both consume 8.7 l/100 km combined. Their 0–100 km/h times and top speeds are not measured. Among the naturally aspirated alternatives, the 124 hp 1.8 CVT and 130 hp 1.8 CVT each return 7.4 l/100 km combined, while the 130 hp 1.8 MT records 7.8 l/100 km.
The eighth-generation 2.0 CVT has 25 hp and 21 Nm more than the 1.8 CVT Xtronic. It also uses 1.7 l/100 km less combined, at 7.1 versus 8.8 l/100 km, despite weighing 56 kg more. Its measured 0–100 km/h time is 8.8 seconds; the 1.8 CVT Xtronic figure is not measured. The restyled eighth-generation 2.0 CVT repeats the 8.8-second time and 7.1 l/100 km combined result. Top speed is not measured for either 2.0 CVT.
Nissan Sentra dimensions, weight, clearance and wheels
The earliest first-generation 1.5 versions weigh 800 kg and have 150 mm of ground clearance; gross weight, tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured. Third-generation 1.6 versions weigh 1038 kg and also provide 150 mm of clearance.
Fourth-generation kerb weight ranges from 960 kg for the 1.4 MT to 1152 kg for the 2.0 AT. Every listed fourth-generation version has a 50-litre tank and 150 mm of clearance. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Fifth-generation kerb weights run from 1165 kg for both 1.8 versions to 1268 kg for the 177 hp 2.5 MT. All use a 50-litre tank and have 130 mm of clearance. Gross weights and wheel sizes are not measured.
The original and restyled sixth generations range from 1304 to 1420 kg kerb weight, with gross weights from 1792 to 1844 kg. Every version has a 55-litre tank and 142 mm of ground clearance; wheel sizes are not measured.
The seventh-generation 1.6 MT is the lightest version in that generation at 1216 kg. All four versions have a 52-litre tank and 155 mm of clearance. The 1.6 versions list 205/55 R16 and 205/50 R17 wheels; wheel sizes for the 1.8 versions are not measured.
Restyled seventh-generation kerb weights range from 1293 kg for the 1.8 MT to 1403 kg for the turbo 1.6 CVT. Ground clearance is 135 mm on both turbo versions and 162 mm on all three 1.8 versions. Every version has a 50-litre tank. The listed 1.8 wheel sizes are 205/55 R16 and 205/50 R17; turbo wheel sizes are not measured.
The eighth-generation 2.0 CVT weighs 1381 kg, has an 1815 kg gross weight, a 50-litre tank and 119 mm of clearance. Its wheels are 205/55 R16, 205/50 R17 or 215/45 R18. The 1.8 CVT Xtronic weighs 1325 kg, has a 1758 kg gross weight and a 50-litre tank; its clearance and wheel sizes are not measured. The restyled 2.0 CVT keeps the 1381 kg kerb and 1815 kg gross figures, while using a 47-litre tank, 122 mm clearance and 205/55 R16 or 205/50 R17 wheels.
For the ninth-generation 2.0 CVT, kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Nissan Sentra should you buy and why?
Choose the seventh-generation 1.6 MT if measured economy is the priority: its 6.4 l/100 km combined consumption matches the 1.6 CVT, but it is 21 kg lighter, reaches 100 km/h 0.7 seconds sooner and has a top speed 8 km/h higher.
Choose the restyled seventh-generation 1.8 CVT with 130 hp if you want the lower-consumption naturally aspirated option in that phase. It returns 7.4 l/100 km combined, 0.4 l/100 km less than the 1.8 MT, while matching its 130 hp and exceeding the 124 hp 1.8 CVT by 6 hp.
Choose the restyled seventh-generation 1.6 MT if power density matters. Its 188 hp from 1618 cc works out to about 116.2 hp per litre, the highest calculable figure among the listed versions. It also weighs 24 kg less than the equivalent 1.6 CVT, although their power, torque and measured consumption are identical.
Choose the fifth-generation 177 hp 2.5 MT when verified acceleration is the deciding factor. Its 7.2-second 0–100 km/h result is 1.1 seconds quicker than the fourth-generation 2.0 MT and 1.6 seconds quicker than the eighth-generation 2.0 CVT. Its combined consumption is not measured, so its economy cannot be compared honestly.
Choose the eighth-generation or restyled eighth-generation 2.0 CVT for the strongest fully measured later package. Both provide 149 hp, 198 Nm, an 8.8-second 0–100 km/h time and 7.1 l/100 km combined consumption. The original offers a 3-litre larger tank and an additional 215/45 R18 wheel size; the restyling provides 3 mm more ground clearance and a CO₂ figure 47 g/km lower, at 132 versus 179 g/km.
The ninth-generation 2.0 CVT cannot yet be recommended over those alternatives on specifications alone. Its Gasoline engine, Variable transmission and FWD are identified, but the horsepower, torque, engine size, acceleration, top speed, fuel consumption, weight and clearance needed for a defensible comparison are not measured.