Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| A5 | Sentra | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Nissan |
| Starting price | $50,200 | $22,600 |
| Monthly payment | $584 | $263 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 26.0 mpg | 33.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 344 g/mi | 269 g/mi–278 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
Yes, Audi issued recall 22V041 for 2021-2022 A5 models due to a software bug that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when reversing. The screen may stay black or frozen, increasing the risk of backing into objects or pedestrians. The recall remedy is a free dealer software update; out-of-pocket repairs for the infotainment module would cost $500-$1,200.
Yes, the MIB 3 infotainment system in 2020-2024 A5 models has documented instability causing screen freezes, random restarts, and Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay dropouts. This can make navigation and climate controls unresponsive, and if software updates fail, the entire head unit may need replacement. Post-warranty replacement costs $1,800-$2,500 installed.
Yes, the plastic water pump/thermostat housing on the 2.0L EA888 engine in 2019-2024 A5s is prone to leaking coolant, causing low-coolant warnings and visible drips. Left unchecked, it can lead to overheating and engine damage. Replacement costs $800-$1,500 at an independent shop, or over $2,000 at a dealer.
Yes, the panoramic roof drain tubes on 2019-2024 A5s can clog or pinch, leading to water intrusion on headliners, pillars, or footwells after heavy rain. This can damage seat electronics or cause musty odors, and prolonged exposure may corrode wiring and modules. Cleaning or re-routing the drains costs $200-$450, but water damage repairs can exceed $1,500.
Yes, the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission in 2019-2024 A5s can have mechatronic unit failures, causing hard shifts, hesitation, and even loss of drive. A flashing PRNDS warning light indicates a serious issue, and delaying repair can destroy clutch packs. Mechatronic replacement at a specialist costs $3,000-$4,500, while a full transmission replacement is $6,000-$8,000.
The 2020 Sentra, which is the first year of the B18 generation, has a documented cluster of steering complaints. This includes issues like steering pull or drift, an off-center steering wheel, electric power-steering assist failure, steering noise, or warning lights. Eight crash-related complaints were reported, indicating a potential safety concern. Buyers should verify all recalls are performed, test drive at highway speeds, check the steering wheel is centered, and listen for low-speed noises.
Electrical system complaints are the second most common problem for the 2020 Sentra and the most common for the 2023 Sentra. These may include infotainment freezes, dashboard warning-light errors, battery-drain issues, or sensor/ADAS malfunctions. Consequences vary from cosmetic glitches to disabling driver-assist features. A pre-purchase inspection should check for software updates, battery health, and test all electrical functions.
Audi A5 and Nissan Sentra suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
A5 starts at $50,200; Sentra starts at $22,600. The difference is $27,600, making Sentra about 55% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: A5 — $584; Sentra — $263. The difference is $321 per month, with Sentra lower.
Both models use Gasoline. Fuel economy is A5 — 26.0 mpg; Sentra — 33.0 mpg. Sentra uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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