2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (234 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 673 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 2008 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sonata | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 797 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
