1992 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2004 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2004 Toyota Highlander is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1992 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1992 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 450 kg more than 1992 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Toyota Highlander (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Hyundai Sonata. (167 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Hyundai Sonata. 2004 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1992 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 1992 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Hyundai Sonata | 2004 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
