1998 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Accord (201 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (198 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 134 kg more than 1998 Honda Accord.
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, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (196 Nm @ 6600 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord. 2012 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Accord | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
