2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2009 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 (234 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. 2008 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Elantra has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Elantra 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 | 2009 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Elantra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 53 L |
