2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 56 kg more than 2005 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 2008 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2005 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Land Rover | Hyundai |
| Model | Defender | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3947 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 70 L |
