The Sentra SV/SR/SL offers an optional backup monitor to help drivers see any and all obstacles behind their vehicle. The Corolla doesn’t offer any parking assist system.
Both the Sentra and the Corolla have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Sentra has a standard 470 amp battery. The Corolla’s 390 amp battery isn’t as powerful.
As tested in Motor Trend the Nissan Sentra is faster than the Toyota Corolla (automatics tested):
Sentra |
Corolla |
|
Zero to 60 MPH |
9.6 sec |
9.8 sec |
Quarter Mile |
17.3 sec |
17.4 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
81 MPH |
80 MPH |
On the EPA test cycle the Sentra FE+ gets better fuel mileage than the Corolla Auto (30 city/40 hwy vs. 26 city/34 hwy).
On the EPA test cycle the Sentra gets better fuel mileage than the Corolla:
Sentra |
Corolla |
|||
4 cyl./Manual |
27 city/36 hwy |
27 city/34 hwy |
||
4 cyl./Auto |
30 city/39 hwy |
26 city/34 hwy |
For better stopping power the Sentra’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Corolla:
Sentra |
Corolla |
|
Front Rotors |
11 inches |
10.7 inches |
The Sentra SR/SL offers optional antilock four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Corolla. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes which work much harder than conventional brakes.
The Sentra stops shorter than the Corolla:
Sentra |
Corolla |
||
60 to 0 MPH |
122 feet |
129 feet |
Motor Trend |
For better traction, the Sentra has larger tires than the Corolla (205/55R16 vs. 195/65R15).
The Sentra’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Corolla L’s standard 65 series tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Sentra has standard 16-inch wheels. Smaller 15-inch wheels are standard on the Corolla L.
The Sentra (except S) offers an optional easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Corolla doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.
The Sentra has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Corolla doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sentra’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the Corolla (106.3 inches vs. 102.4 inches).
For better maneuverability, the Sentra’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Corolla’s (34.8 feet vs. 35.4 feet).
Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the Sentra is rated a Mid-size car by the EPA, while the Corolla is rated a Compact.
The Sentra has 3.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Corolla (95.9 vs. 92.1).
The Sentra has .6 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, 1.1 inches more rear legroom and 6.2 inches more rear hip room than the Corolla.
The Sentra has a much larger trunk than the Corolla (15.1 vs. 12.3 cubic feet).
© 1991-2016 Advanta-STAR Automotive Research. All rights reserved.
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