2007 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,340 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Sonata (234 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 237 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Hyundai Sonata (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2007 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Sonata | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3340 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1443 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 67 L |
