1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 538 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
Make | Lotus | Hyundai |
Model | Esprit | Sonata |
Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 216 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1686 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2740 mm |