1978 Honda Accord vs. 1997 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 1997 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Hyundai Sonata (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 370 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Hyundai Sonata (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1997 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Accord | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2710 mm |
