2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise 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 91 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 931 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
