2004 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 499 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (191 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 44 L |
