2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 156 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sonata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
