2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1998 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1998 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
