1990 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 620 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Civic | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1646 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
