2007 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1997 Kia Retona
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Retona would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Elantra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1997 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Retona weights approximately 420 kg more than 2007 Hyundai Elantra.
Because 1997 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Hyundai Elantra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Kia Retona 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, 1997 Kia Retona (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Elantra | 1997 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Elantra | Retona |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 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 | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2370 mm |
