2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1994 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Nissan Laurel 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 127 more horse power than 1994 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1994 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 211 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1994 Nissan Laurel 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 1994 Nissan Laurel. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Nissan Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1994 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Sonata | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
