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Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra

1641 messages,  Last post on Feb 17, 2010 at 3:54 PM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Sedan

Messages Page 163 of 165

#1616 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [bpizzuti] by backy

Apr 22, 2008 (10:17 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Apr 22, 2008 7:23 am)
Since you drive 100 miles a day, you might also consider the 2009 Sonata Limited I4. Its highway fuel economy isn't much different from the Elantra's, it has a 5AT, it has a factory nav option, it's a quiet and comfy highway cruiser, and historically has had much bigger incentives than the Elantra, so price-wise it won't be much different than a loaded Elantra Touring and would probably cost less than the Civic EX-L with nav (once the 2008 Sonatas are cleared out that is).

#1617 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [backy] by bpizzuti

Apr 22, 2008 (10:42 am)

Replying to: backy (Apr 22, 2008 10:17 am)
Maybe so, but the MPGs are going to be a rather significant step down on the Sonata. Even with the new 5 speed auto, it's only rated at 31 highway.

#1618 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [bpizzuti] by thegraduate

Apr 22, 2008 (10:54 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Apr 22, 2008 10:42 am)
2 MPG highway isn't that significant when you're talking about that much extra power, space, and comfort. The Elantra gets 33 hwy, per EPA.
 
Besides, if the Elantra and Sonata are anything like my dad's Civic and my Accord, the Sonata's torquier engine will help it go over and above the EPA estimates on the highway, where the Elantra's 2.0 will have to work harder, and no exceed the numbers so well, especially in hilly or higher-speed (70+) sections. I routinely get 37+ on my Accord, and he gets about that as well, going the same speed. The difference is that I have 32 more lb-ft of torque and a lot more passing power, room, and comfort.
 
Around town, his car would outperform mine mileage-wise though, due to his car being lighter and having 75% the displacement of my car.

#1619 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [thegraduate] by bpizzuti

Apr 22, 2008 (11:35 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 22, 2008 10:54 am)
It's not (totally) about torque...it's about gearing. So what I really want to know is how many RPMs each engine turns at about 70-75 MPH (that's cruising speed on the interstates here unless one wants to get run off the road by angry drivers).

#1620 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [bpizzuti] by backy

Apr 22, 2008 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Apr 22, 2008 10:42 am)
Actually 32 mpg highway for the Sonata I4, or about 3% less than the Elantra. And we don't know what the ratings will be for the Touring yet. An acceptable tradeoff IMO for 37 more horses and the extra room and comfort of the Sonata.

#1621 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [backy] by bpizzuti

Apr 22, 2008 (12:22 pm)

Replying to: backy (Apr 22, 2008 12:12 pm)
Unless one likes the hatch...I've still got my 04 Mazda3 5-door and a hatch REALLY comes in handy sometimes. But with the selection so narrow, I may break down and get a trunk anyway...can't get a Sonata with a hatch, can't get a regular Civic with a hatch anymore...so sad, ya know?
 
I'm semi-considering the Sonata, but I have to see how the incentives shake out. I'm really not too sure on getting something that big, though the range increase on the gas tank might be handy.
 
Incidentally, Edmunds gives the Sonata I4 as 30 MPG highway. Elantra is 33 MPG, Civic is 36 MPGs.

#1622 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [bpizzuti] by thegraduate

Apr 22, 2008 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Apr 22, 2008 12:22 pm)
Incidentally, Edmunds gives the Sonata I4 as 30 MPG highway.
 
30 for the automatic, 31 for the manual. Fueleconomy.gov is the final say on EPA numbers, as far as I'm concerned.

#1623 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [thegraduate] by delaluz

Apr 22, 2008 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 22, 2008 12:31 pm)
I own a 2007 Sonata I4 with auto. I got 32 MPG on a recent trip from NC to NY.
 
I had owned a 2002 Elantra (auto) and averaged 28-30 mpg on my 26 mile round trip to work. With my Sonata I had averaged 25-26 for the same trip. I try to measure my mileage each tankfull by dividing miles on trip counter by gallons.
 
I hope this info helps!

#1624 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [thegraduate] by backy

Apr 22, 2008 (2:29 pm)

Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 22, 2008 12:31 pm)
Try checking the EPA numbers for the 2009 Sonata--they are improved for 2009 over 2008. I don't think they are posted yet on fueleconomy.gov yet though.

#1625 of 1641 Re: So quiet in here [backy] by thegraduate

Apr 22, 2008 (2:31 pm)

Replying to: backy (Apr 22, 2008 2:29 pm)
I believe you are right; thanks for clarifying!

Messages Page 163 of 165

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