2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 701 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Sonata | SL |
Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3342 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 349 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 311 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |