2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 430 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
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, 2006 Hyundai Sonata (219 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2260 mm |
