YACT: 2000-06 Sentras (1.8L)

[chris7b]

How come this car doesn't get closer to 40mpg? What is so different compared to a civic or corolla?

I would think a 1.8L engine in a car weighing about 2500 would do much better. Stats are pretty similar to Corolla/Civic. Currently I get 28-29 mixed and 32ish mostly hwy. I know the EPA rating is 28/34. I have 12K miles and use 89.

 

[chris7b]

Rephrased!

 

[Aimster]

well for the first 1k miles u wont get that great of a gas mileage.

are u putting premium in your car?

 

[avash]

don't need premium for the QG18 engine in that Sentra.

it's all about balancing torque and HP numbers. you can squeeze more mpg if you don't care about torque but then, you end up with a slow dog from a stop. also, it depends how the HP/torque curves are balanced so that power is available. googled the stats below, might not be 100% accurate but you get the idea. sentra is more torquey, and is available at lower RPMS so you actually get moving quicker than the others, but compromise is fuel economy.

Sentra 1.8L 28/35
126 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 129 ft lb , 175 Nm @ 2,400 rpm

Corolla 1.8L 30/38
126 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 122 ft lb , 165 Nm @ 4,200 rpm

Civic 1.8L 30/38
140 HP SAE @ 6,300 rpm; 128 ft lb , 174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm

 

[mercanucaribe]

Use 87 octane and your gas mileage will increase

 

[natto fire]

Wow, although Honda's VTEC cam obviously provides higher horsepower, but the NVTC in the Sentra gives it a broader torque band.

 

[Strk]

What's your driving style like? Do you accelerate as fast as possible? Do you brake hard? Do you have the windows wide open or always have the A/C on? How fast do you tend to go on the highway?

 

[KaChow]

I've wondered the same thing about the Nissan's in general. I have a 99 Sentra with the 2.0L engine and it averages about 26mpg. On a really good steady drive I can get about 32mpg out of it. My 2006 Civic (1.8L) with the same HP averages 36mpg. When I drive it hard, it still gets at least 33mpg.

 

[TheSlamma]

For starters Civic's don't get 40mpg

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg....jsp?column=1&id=17554

Sounds like you are right in range for the Sentra

 

[zixxer]

Originally posted by: KaChow
I've wondered the same thing about the Nissan's in general. I have a 99 Sentra with the 2.0L engine and it averages about 26mpg. On a really good steady drive I can get about 32mpg out of it. My 2006 Civic (1.8L) with the same HP averages 36mpg. When I drive it hard, it still gets at least 33mpg.

SR20's aren't known for great gas milage. Great motor though.



Back on topic, imo the QG isn't a great motor platform. It really is in the shadow of the 2.5 and VQ's. A friend has a 04 sentra and it's one of the most anemic vehicles I've driven. It's practically dangerous it has so little power.

 

[chris7b]

I'm pretty easy on the pedal when i start from a stand still. Also try to brake gradually. I generally use the windows but will switch on the A/C if its over 90. I hover around 70mph on the highway.