07 Sentra vs. 07 Versa - a brief comparison

[Ever Victorious]

Well, I took a test drive of a new '07 Sentra today, as promised. In the interest of comparing oranges to something at least relatively close to an orange, I made a point of picking out a 6-speed Sentra (since my Versa is a 6-speed).

Test model was a 2.0 S with 6MT and no options.

The Sentra shows that it is becoming more of a appeal-to-the-masses family car, rather than a more "basic" car (as it were) in the past.

It felt quicker off the line than my V, and had no trouble barking the tires shifting into 2nd gear. The MR20 is very responsive and likes to rev quicker than the MR18. Claimed fuel economy is only 2 mpg lower in both stats than the comparable Versa.

The gearshift does not have the "click" and positive engagement feeling that I get in my Versa. A number of people have indicated that the Versa's shifter feels "clunky" because of this, so those of you that have said that will probably like the feel of the shifter. Those of you who are like me and actually LIKE the car giving you feedback will hate it. The shifter is VERY heavy compared to the Versa. If you like rowing gears, I hope you're in shape.

The seating surfaces (cloth in the model tested) had this weird webbed netting type stuff woven into the surface that I guess is there to help keep you in place. It looks tacky. Furthermore, it's not woven cloth. This puts the material at the same level as the Versa S, with the SL having a MUCH higher quality woven cloth seating surface. I've seen pics of the leather interior and as much as I despise leather interiors, I would pick it over the cloth interior in this car.

The dash is very nicely laid out. The trip computer display doubles as a HUGE display for the stock stereo, which has more power than the Versa's stock stereo. The audio package also adds 2 subs and the 6-disc MP3 changer, so get it if you can. Also, the fan in the climate control system has a nearly infinitely variable fan, like my RX-7. That is VERY nice.

I do NOT like how the front door rests angle away from the driver as they get closer to the front of the car. It made reaching the window controls rather difficult.

The back seat is nowhere near as spacious or comfortable as a Versa's, the V beats it hands down here.

The trunk is very long and, FOR A SEDAN, very tall. However, the trunk still does not have the capacity of a standard Versa hatchback does with its seat up... and as it is a sedan, with the seats folded down, it still cannot carry the size and type of cargo that the Versa carries.

The pseudo-altezzas on the back of the Sentra help break up some of the monotony, but the car looks like it's trying to play the "see? I can conform!" card.

My impressions:

Versa is more comfortableVersa is more versatileVersa has a more ergonomic and higher quality interiorSentra has better creature featuresSentra has a trip computer (with outside temp gauge)Sentra has a better trunk *WHEN COMPARED TO THE VERSA SEDAN* (conjecture, as the Versa sedan has yet to be released)Sentra has a SLIGHT edge in handlingSentra is fasterVersa is more economicalVersa is cheaperVersa allows i-Key with Manual transmissions (Sentra only allows it with CVT)Sentra allows i-Key with ABS

My decision:

I'd still buy a Versa any day of the week. Sorry, Sentra lovers...

[NSR_s30]

Nice comparo. My '06 Sentra has those woven net seats, they're nice imo. I'd personally buy a Versa over a Sentra cause the new Sentra is uber ugly. I would though take a B15 over a Versa anyday. I also wonder if the new 2.0L is similar to the SR20's in the SE sentras...

[Ever Victorious]

I suppose the net seats have their purpose and might take some getting used to. My main complaint about the seats is that they're a nylon pile type fabric, which in general is easier to wear through and punch holes in.

Where as the flat woven cloths and harder leathers won't wear as badly.

Also, the seats seemed firmer than the V's. Something tells me they don't have the 1/2 inch of memory foam that makes my buttocks go "ahhh."

[fsustage]

I will be doing my own comparisons shortly but just from looking at the spec list I can't see why I would want a Sentra over a Versa. I guess I just don't get the removal of an SE-R version of the Sentra.

[Kalok]

I'll take my 2k3 SE-R over the 2k6 any day of the week.

[nsrZ32]

I've done PDI's on a couple of the 07 Sentras. Both automatic and manual.

First let me say that they aren't the stylish sporty little sedan they used to be IMO. But...they are no where near as ugly as it looked in first pictures.

Performance is pretty good and there is a lot of room inside. The car should be a pretty big success as it has a lot of potential options and will be nice as an entry level sedan. Now Nissan just needs something sportier.

[BenDupre]

Drove the new Sentra yesterday and I love it. Drove a SL trim CVT model. I really like some of the features over the Versa:

1. Wider up front. My left leg wasn't hitting the door panel the way it does in the V.

2. I can reach the cup holder in the Sentra

3. It has a trip computer that computes mileage.

4. I like the design of the steering wheel.

Didn't like:

1. trunk is not as versitile as a hatch, although the passthrough is very generous. You have to "flip" the rear seat cussions forward to fold down the rear seat backs. This is awkward, but now I think of it, if they had taken this approach in the Versa, it might have the flat load floor everyone has complained it doesn't have.

2. Pricetag. The model I drove was priced at 19K+

3. What is the deal with Nissan not allowing cruise control in base trims? Cruise should not cost $2000

4. The CVT seemed to "float" more or maybe "hunt" more than my V. I've driven my V down the same highway and there are a couple shallow hills, but RPM's stayed steady in the V, where they drifted up more on the climbs in the Sentra.

Ben