2005 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 54 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.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Sonata | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sonata | E |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
