2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 158 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 1 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. 2009 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
