2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 69 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 2010 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS 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, 2010 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. 2010 Lexus IS 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. 2010 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Sonata | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
