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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 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 57 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (228 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
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 | 2359 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
