1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 16 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 365 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Hyundai | BMW |
| Model | Sonata | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
