1988 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 23 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (110 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 665 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.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. (193 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Hyundai Sonata. 2011 Nissan Xterra 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. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Hyundai Sonata | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Sonata | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1217 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2700 mm |
