|
|
Comparison Tests
2003 Econosport Sedans Comparison Test
Top 5 Features
By Ed Hellwig
Date Posted 08-18-2003
When it comes to buying a performance sedan, there's more to consider than just
how fast it goes. While many of these vehicles are stripped of excess features
in order to save weight and costs, there are still a few options to consider when
making your purchase decision. We asked each editor to pick the top five features
they would want on their econosport sedans and then crunched the numbers. Any
feature that was standard on all cars was not eligible.
Top 5 Features
| |
Dodge SRT-4 |
Ford Focus SVT |
Mazdaspeed Protegé |
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V |
| Antilock brakes |
S |
S |
S |
O |
| Sunroof |
N/A |
O |
N/A |
O |
| Side-impact airbags |
O |
S |
N/A |
O |
| CD changer |
N/A |
O |
N/A |
N/A |
| Limited-slip differential |
N/A |
N/A |
S |
S |
Key:
S: Standard
O: Optional
N/A: Not Available
Antilock brakes: Antilock brakes (ABS) make tire skids a thing of the past; just mash the pedal and let the computer do the work. Only the Nissan put this feature on its options list.
Sunroof: Although it hardly qualifies as a performance-enhancing feature, the all-important sunroof makes these small sedans feel that much bigger.
Side-impact airbags: These effective safety devices help protect the driver and front passenger in the event of a side-impact collision by providing a protective barrier between the door and the driver or front passenger. Only the Nissan offers this important piece of protection.
CD changer: Once again, this hardly contributes to the car's overall performance, but when you're commuting or taking a trip, not having to shuffle CDs is always a welcome convenience.
Limited-slip differential: This device distributes power to the wheel with the most traction, thereby eliminating excessive tire spin on one wheel.
|
|
|
