Zimmerman Mitsubisi

Basic Warranty Months

Basic Warranty Miles

Lancer Sportback

Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 57 advantages that the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has over the Nissan Sentra.

MSRP Range
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback	$18,395 - $21,345
Nissan Sentra	$16,250 - $20,810

Performance

Engine

The Lancer Sportback GT has a larger standard engine, a 2.4L I4, than the standard engine in the Sentra (2, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, 2.0 SR), which has a 2.0L I4.

The standard engines in the Lancer Sportback are more powerful than those in the Sentra, as detailed by trim and engine below:


			Horsepower (SAE net)
	Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4		148 HP
	Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4		168 HP
	Sentra		140 HP

The Lancer Sportback's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Sentra's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:


	RPM's to Peak Torque	RPM's to Peak HP
Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4	4200	6000
Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4	4100	6000
Sentra 2 2.0L I4	4800	-
Sentra 2.0 S 2.0L I4	4800	-
Sentra 2.0 SR 2.0L I4	4800	-
Sentra 2.0 SL 2.0L I4	4800	-
Sentra SE-R Spec-V 2.5L I4	5200	6600

With 167 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in Lancer Sportback 2.4L I4 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Sentra 2.0L I4, which has 147 lb-ft of torque.

Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Lancer Sportback, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Sentra, as detailed below by trim level and engine:


			Power To Weight Ratio
	Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4		20.6
	Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4		18.8
	Sentra 2 2.0L I4		20.8
	Sentra 2.0 S 2.0L I4		21.4
	Sentra 2.0 SL 2.0L I4		21.4
	Sentra 2.0 SR 2.0L I4		21.4

Reliability

The standard engine in the Lancer Sportback 2.4L I4 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Sentra 2.0L I4, 2360 cc vs. 2001 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.

Transmission

An adaptive automatic transmission is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, It is able to select optimal shift points and determine the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. You are more likely to find this type of transmission in the Lancer Sportback than the Sentra, as shown below:


			Adaptive Automatic Transmission
	Lancer Sportback		Standard
	Sentra 2		Optional
	Sentra SE-R Spec-V		Not Available

The Lancer Sportback GT has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Not Available in the Sentra (2, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, 2.0 SR, SE-R Spec-V).

Warranty

Basic Warranty

Mitsubishi's basic warranty provides better coverage than Nissan's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

Powertrain Warranty

Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Nissan's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.

Corrosion Warranty

Mitsubishi's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Nissan's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).


			Corrosion Warranty Months
	Lancer Sportback		84
	Sentra		60

Economy

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Lancer Sportback ES has a larger fuel tank than the Sentra, 15.5 gal. vs. 14.5 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

The Lancer Sportback is more fuel efficient than the Sentra. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Lancer Sportback both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Sentra.


	Fuel Economy Hwy	Fuel Economy City
Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4	32 mpg.	24 mpg.
Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4	29 mpg.	22 mpg.
Sentra 2 2.0L I4	31 mpg.	-
Sentra SE-R 2.5L I4	30 mpg.	-
Sentra SE-R Spec-V 2.5L I4	28 mpg.	21 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

The Lancer Sportback gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Sentra, as detailed below by trim and engine:


			Driving Distance
	Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4		418.5 mi.
	Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4		362.5 mi.
	Sentra 2 2.0L I4		391.5 mi.
	Sentra SE-R 2.5L I4		377 mi.
	Sentra SE-R Spec-V 2.5L I4		348 mi.

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the Lancer Sportback is less than the base MSRP on the Sentra as shown in the table below.


			Base Price MSRP
	Lancer Sportback ES		18,395
	Sentra 2.0 SL		19,580
	Sentra SE-R		20,310
	Sentra SE-R Spec-V		20,810

Safety and Security

Airbags

Both the Lancer Sportback and the Sentra feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Lancer Sportback is heavier than the Sentra, shown below by trim level and transmission type:


			Curb Weight AT
	Lancer Sportback ES		3,054 lbs.
	Lancer Sportback GT		3,164 lbs.
	Sentra 2		2,975 lbs.
	Sentra 2.0 S		2,990 lbs.
	Sentra 2.0 SR		2,993 lbs.
	Sentra 2.0 SL		2,997 lbs.
	Sentra SE-R		3,131 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Lancer Sportback is longer than the Sentra, as shown below:


			Length
	Lancer Sportback		180.4 in.
	Sentra 2		179.8 in.
	Sentra 2.0 S		179.8 in.
	Sentra 2.0 SL		179.8 in.
	Sentra 2.0 SR		180.1 in.
	Sentra SE-R		180.1 in.
	Sentra SE-R Spec-V		180.1 in.

The Lancer Sportback is equipped with Standard FWD.

Keyless entry increases your personal safety by enabling you to enter and exit your vehicle without fumbling with your keys. And, in addition, by letting you lock and unlock your vehicle without using your keys, it increases the chances that you will lock it. Of course, it also comes in handy when your hands are full. The Lancer Sportback comes with Standard keyless entry while that feature is Optional on the Sentra 2.

The Lancer Sportback features a Standard panic button on its remote control, which when depressed activates the vehicle's alarm system (horn, lights, etc.), allowing the driver to notify anyone nearby that they are in danger or need assistance. A panic button is Not Available on the Sentra 2.

The Lancer Sportback has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Optional on the Sentra 2.

Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations. You are more likely to find fog lights on the Lancer Sportback than on the Sentra, as detailed below:


			Fog Lamps
	Lancer Sportback ES		Optional
	Lancer Sportback GT		Standard
	Sentra		Not Available

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the Lancer Sportback GT but Not Available Sentra. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

The Lancer Sportback features a Standard rear wiper which provides improved visibility by allowing the driver to clean the rear window. This feature is Not Available on the Sentra.

The Lancer Sportback GT has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Sentra.

Capacities

Interior Space

The Lancer Sportback has more interior space than the Sentra in the following areas:

Cargo Space

The Lancer Sportback has more cargo volume compared to the Sentra. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.


			Cargo Volume
	Lancer Sportback		13.8 cu. ft.
	Sentra 2		13.1 cu. ft.
	Sentra 2.0 S		13.1 cu. ft.
	Sentra 2.0 SL		13.1 cu. ft.
	Sentra 2.0 SR		13.1 cu. ft.
	Sentra SE-R		13.1 cu. ft.
	Sentra SE-R Spec-V		12.0 cu. ft.

The Lancer Sportback has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Sentra (SE-R, SE-R Spec-V).

The Lancer Sportback features a Standard second row folding seat for increased cargo space. A second row folding seat is Not Available in the Sentra (SE-R, SE-R Spec-V).

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Sentra (SE-R, SE-R Spec-V).

Suspension and Handling

General Suspension

The Lancer Sportback has a independent rear suspension, which is superior to the semi-independent suspension used on the Sentra.

Chassis

The Lancer Sportback has a higher minimum ground clearance and is more capable than the Sentra of traversing rough terrain without problems, as detailed below:


			Ground Clearance
	Lancer Sportback GT		5.8 in.
	Sentra 2		5.6 in.
	Sentra 2.0 S		5.7 in.
	Sentra 2.0 SL		5.7 in.
	Sentra 2.0 SR		5.7 in.

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Lancer Sportback is greater than that of the Sentra. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.


			Track, Front
	Lancer Sportback		60.2 in.
	Sentra 2		59.8 in.
	Sentra 2.0 S		59.8 in.
	Sentra 2.0 SR		59.8 in.
	Sentra 2.0 SL		59.8 in.
	Sentra SE-R		59.5 in.
	Sentra SE-R Spec-V		59.5 in.

The Lancer Sportback is narrower than the Sentra, 69.4 in. vs. 70.5 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Lancer Sportback may provide better handling capability than those on the Sentra. Details below:


			Tire Aspect Ratio
	Lancer Sportback GT		45
	Sentra 2		60
	Sentra 2.0 S		55
	Sentra 2.0 SL		55
	Sentra 2.0 SR		55

In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. You are more likely to find alloy wheels on the Lancer Sportback than the Sentra, as shown below:


			Alloy Wheels
	Lancer Sportback ES		Optional
	Lancer Sportback GT		Standard
	Sentra		Not Available

Braking

The Lancer Sportback GT has standard front and rear disc brakes but the Sentra (2, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, 2.0 SR) only has standard rear Drum brakes. Drums tend to heat up with repeated use and can cause stopping distances to increase.

An Electronic Braking Assistance system, Standard in the Lancer Sportback, measures the speed and force with which the brake pedal has been pushed, determines whether the driver has attempted an emergency stop, and applies any additional brake pressure needed to ensure optimal utilization of the anti-lock brake system. Electronic Braking Assistance is Not Available in the Sentra.

Advantages

Additional Features

A heated front seat is Optional in the Lancer Sportback GT, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Sentra (2, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, SE-R, SE-R Spec-V).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Optional in the Lancer Sportback GT but is Not Available in the Sentra (2, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, SE-R, SE-R Spec-V).

The Lancer Sportback GT has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Sentra.

On long road trips in the Lancer Sportback, drivers can engage the Standard cruise control, reducing fatigue. Cruise control is Not Available in the Sentra 2.

The Lancer Sportback has a Standard trip computer which provides helpful information to the driver. A trip computer is Not Available in the Sentra 2.

With a Optional power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Lancer Sportback owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Sentra (2, 2.0 S) as a power sunroof is Not Available.