1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2003 Toyota Soarer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 4,292 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Soarer (276 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 470 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.
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, 2003 Toyota Soarer (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 2003 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
