2003 Honda Element vs. 2005 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 187 kg more than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Honda Element (216 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (199 Nm). This means 2003 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2005 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Element | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1443 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
