1996 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Kia Carens
To start off, 2012 Kia Carens is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Hyundai Elantra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Hyundai Elantra would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Hyundai Elantra (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Kia Carens. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carens weights approximately 282 kg more than 1996 Hyundai Elantra.
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, 1996 Hyundai Elantra (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Carens. (163 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Elantra | Carens |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1233 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2570 mm |
