2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 307 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1646 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
