1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1997 Kia Retona
To start off, both 1997 Hyundai Sonata and 1997 Kia Retona were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Retona (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Retona should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Retona weights approximately 610 kg more than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Kia Retona 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, 1997 Kia Retona (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 1997 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Sonata | Retona |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
