1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 11 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 348 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 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Hyundai | Subaru |
| Model | Sonata | Forester |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
