2007 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,398 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 517 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. 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 (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise. 2007 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise 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 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Elise |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
