2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 16 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1983 Lotus Excel 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 1983 Lotus Excel. 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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 2009 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Excel 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 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Excel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 31 L |
