[KDMSpecial]

reading through the specs the Elantra Sport is rated for 200hp and 190 pound feet of torque, but is this enough? because given the size and possible curb weight i'm starting to have concerns.


fortunately we're working with a turbocharged engine, meaning with an ECU tune we should easily extract another 10-15% more power and torque.

 

[RCSO0227]

Well, I can say this. I came from an 07 mustang with a V8. Car hard more than enough power. With the 6 mt, I feel like the ES has plenty of power to get around without any concerns.

 

[jamesrayth]

I came from an 04 Infiniti G35 coupe, a 300hp 3.6 liter v6. The ES with DCT is actually quicker 0-60 and 0-100 than the G35. Its enough.

 

[rgonaut]

You can wait for the Elantra 'N'. Assumption is they use the same powerplant as the Genesis coupe 2.0t, about 275 hp. Price tag probably around 27.

 

[Drewberry]

If your commute is mainly highway and you are looking for a car with good power you'll probably be disappointed.
If your commute is mainly under 65mph, with any winding roads, it's got enough in my opinion.
Even coming from my last car the ES doesn't feel underpowered. It's good for what it is. Like Tyson said, Dont be expecting to beat an STI or a v8 pony car. but to get 32mpg on cheap gas, hit 60 in the mid 6 second range, all while listening to an infinity audio system and relaxing in heated seats. It's nice. Oh, and it won't break the bank.

 

[R1600Turbo]

My Koup had 173hp with a 6AT and it had plenty of get up and go. No complaints with the ES, it's one downshift away from fun.

 

[Voodoo Idol]

I came from an 04 Infiniti G35 coupe, a 300hp 3.6 liter v6. The ES with DCT is actually quicker 0-60 and 0-100 than the G35. Its enough.

That's because the G35 is... portly.

 

[Voodoo Idol]

Some of the funnest cars I have driven have been significantly underpowered. A Mazda Miata NA, in stock form is around 100hp, not a whole lot of power, but an absolute blast to drive, same with many others, even though the Alfa Romeo 4C by most standards is considered slow, stock, it felt kind of sluggish, but it was an amazing car to drive.

Tyson

I feel the same way about the base Mini (at least the '12 that we have). Not a lot of power... I think like 135 at the crank... but fun as **** to drive. It's geared really well, which helps immensely, and it handles like a dream right off the showroom floor.

The ES is probably the best bang-for-your-buck sedan on the market today.

 

[jamesrayth]

That's because the G35 is... portly.

Its just big boned haha

 

[Voodoo Idol]

It is amazing to think, that we are in an era where 173hp, or more, can be achieved with a 4 cylinder engine, back in the day there were V8's that didn't make that power, going all the way back to early engines, there were inline 12 cylinders with massive displacement that weren't even close to that.




Actually the MINI is a great example of that, very similar to the Fiat's very small trim cars, not a whole lot of power, but its like driving a go cart. I have driven cars that were 10x as expensive and no where near as responsive or thrilling to drive. Driving at 100 percent throttle 100 percent of the time is fun. LOL
Tyson

Right? The 67 Mustang 289 coupe that we sold at the end of last year made 200 at the crank and that car was heavy as heck with the iron block and heavy steel body panels. My VT, off the showroom floor, would wipe the floor with that Mustang. And after modding/tuning the VT buried it. Deeply.

You hit the nail on the head with the Mini. I still wish I could've talked the wife into buying the S model though. Of course we wouldn't have bought the VT and I wouldn't still be active in the KDM community but, you know...