2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1998 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1998 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 890 kg more than 1998 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Life. 1998 Honda Life has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1998 Honda Life | |
| Make | Hyundai | Honda |
| Model | Sonata | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2370 mm |
