2001 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2002 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Nissan Laurel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 38 kg more than 2002 Nissan Laurel.
Because 2002 Nissan Laurel 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 2002 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2002 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. 2002 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2001 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2001 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Sonata | 2002 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Sonata | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
