1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2004 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Hyundai Sonata (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 448 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. 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, 2004 Hyundai Sonata (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2004 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Ballade | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
