2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1996 Kia Retona
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Kia Retona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (104 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1996 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Retona weights approximately 664 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Because 1996 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Kia Retona 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, 1996 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1996 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Elantra | Retona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2370 mm |
