1988 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (177 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (110 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 248 kg more than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (193 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1988 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 1988 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Hyundai Sonata | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Hyundai | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sonata | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1217 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2740 mm |
