2008 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Elantra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Elantra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Elantra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Elantra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Kia Soul (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Elantra | Soul |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
