2005 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 153 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
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 Nissan Altima (231 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (199 Nm). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Sonata | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Sonata | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2343 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1443 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
