I am a Nissan fanboy. But, unless you get the Sentra SE-R, get the corolla. Sentra is a little sportier, but toyota looks better.
Sentra has a little better rear suspension (multi-link beam ala Maxima vs torsion beam in corolla)
Otherwise Sentra GXE and Corolla S are almost identical spec wise, and you will probably save a grand or 2 on the Sentra over corolla when all is said and done.
When you look at corolla, ask yourself this question. Does it remind you more of Toyota Echo, or the IS 300? If it's the latter, I would get the corolla.