2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 56 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
Model | Sonata | Esprit |
Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2358 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 219 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
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 | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2440 mm |