1996 Honda Accord vs. 1998 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 1998 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Hyundai Sonata (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord.
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, 1998 Hyundai Sonata (181 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (158 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord. 1998 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1998 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Accord | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1850 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
