1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (291 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sonata | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4496 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2649 mm |
