When a sport-compact sedan like the SE-R came along, it was quickly compared to previous standouts, especially the venerable BMW 2002. The connection made by journalists to the BMW was natural, since they were cars that set a standard by which others were measured in their segment, had similar lines and unpretentious styling, and were even powered by 2.0-liter fours. The concept is the same, but another sedan was a greater influence on the design of the Sentra.

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The idea of a cheap, quick box wasn't limited to the 2002, but was also found in the SE-R's true spiritual ancestor, the Datsun 510. According to Dave Coleman's "Bloodlines" article in the November 1997 Sport Compact Car, the affinity shared by the B13-platform Sentra and 510 was not accidental. The first car of Kouichi Yasui, the designer of the B13, was a 510. Also, the head of the Nissan design studio were Yasui worked just happened to be the original designer of the 510, Teruo Uchino.

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The Datsun 510 was a significant predecessor to the SE-R on and off the track. Its success in motorsports is demonstrated by the fact that John Morton won the 1971 2.5 Trans-Am series in the BRE 510's first try. Even though the title of "classic Japanese car" hasn't carried the same prestige as "classic German car" in the minds of many Americans, the 510 is still very popular among amateur racers and enthusiasts.

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