1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 972 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lotus Elise 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 2009 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2009 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Lotus | Hyundai |
| Model | Elise | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
