[Chris]

I suspect the aftermarket will support both cars. The Mazda really needs more power. And lets face it, you can never have too much power. For me the hardest part of getting a Sentra is the frontier-like front (not super-strong, but definetly there.) And whether to get a 'base' or spec-V. The spec V has 180 hp vs 170, bigger wheels, etc. But I could get all that from the aftermarket.
I like the Sentra for its big engine (2.5L!), and therefor good torque, especially low-down. It will be fast and fairly cheap, it should live up to its fore-fathers. I like it.
The Mazda, I like the looks, but the smaller engine means less power (duh!). Even modded, it would take a lot to match the Sentra's characheristics, and if both modded, the Sentra will have better characteristics. Their still is no replacement for displacement. But I think it is neat nonetheless.
OK, for me its the Sentra. But I think they both deserve to sell well. The Mazda may look better, but these cars WILL BE MODDED!!! So I can make it look like whatever I want.
Lets here some more opinions!!
Toodles!

PS, why isn't there a poll??