1989 Ford Sierra vs. 1996 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 1996 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Hyundai Elantra (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 87 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra 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 1989 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1996 Hyundai Elantra (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra. 1996 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Sierra | 1996 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Sierra | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
