2006 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2003 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Tucson is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. Both 2006 Hyundai Tucson and 2003 Hyundai Sonata are equipped with a 1,983 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Tucson (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Tucson should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 51 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Tucson.
Because 2006 Hyundai Tucson is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Tucson 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, 2006 Hyundai Tucson (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Tucson will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Tucson | 2003 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Tucson | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
