2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 367 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander 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, 2003 Toyota Highlander 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, 2003 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Elantra | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 73 L |
