1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2012 Toyota Venza
To start off, 2012 Toyota Venza 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Venza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Venza (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Venza should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Venza weights approximately 446 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 2012 Toyota Venza 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 Toyota Venza 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 Toyota Venza (246 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Venza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Toyota Venza | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Venza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1706 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2776 mm |
