1998 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan President would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan President (267 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (198 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan President should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan President weights approximately 456 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan President is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Nissan President. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Nissan President (394 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan President will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan President | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Nissan | Hyundai |
| Model | President | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2794 mm |
