1981 Toyota Soarer vs. 2001 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Hyundai Sonata (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Sonata, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Hyundai Sonata (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Soarer | 2001 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Toyota | Hyundai |
| Model | Soarer | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2759 cc | 2657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
