1989 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1997 Toyota Supra
To start off, 1997 Toyota Supra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Supra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Supra (325 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1989 Hyundai Sonata. (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Supra should accelerate faster than 1989 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1997 Toyota Supra 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 1997 Toyota Supra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1997 Toyota Supra (441 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Hyundai Sonata. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Supra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Hyundai Sonata. 1989 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Supra has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Supra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Hyundai Sonata | 1997 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Supra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
