2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 126 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2006 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2006 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2006 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Mustang | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
