2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 256 kg more than 1997 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Sonata | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1646 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2730 mm |
