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October 10, 2008

Comparo Bizarro: V6 Hyundai Sonata vs. I6 AMC Concord

Editor

Ah, the Hyundai Sonata. Even with the V6, this ride is so innocuous, our little test car confirmed the impression I got when I once rented one: it’s The Car Without Qualities. There’s so little to say about it, the only way I could come up with anything was to put it alongside something else. And what was handy? Well, my new AMC Concord for one thing. And why the hell not? They’ve both got 6-cylinder engines, automatic transmissions, and trunks. You thought the MAZDASPEED3 vs HHR matchup was unfair? Read on for the goofiest, most out-to-lunch comparo you’ve ever seen on CarDomain.

Show Me The Money

So like, say you’re actually thinking of going out and getting a car today. Head on down to the local Hyundai dealership and sign up for some sweet financial slavery: the MSRP for the V6 Sonata SE is just over $24,000, or $26-and-a-half for the Limited, which is what we had. Pretty decent I guess for a brand-new car, but of course it means a bunch of money down and a monthly car payment and a sleazy little spiky-haired car salesman razzle-dazzling you with a bunch of paperwork. Or, if you only have 75 bucks left in your checking account after student loan payments and beer, you can just whip that out and buy a whole running 1980 AMC Concord free and clear. That’s what I paid for mine, though the comparison is not altogether fair since that’s not usually what they go for—still, after a quick survey of Concords on Craigslist, I think it’s reasonable to say that you can easily get one for well below the cost of a down payment on that Sonata. Nothing like buying a car with cash to make you feel like a total high-roller! The only catch? You have to drive a Concord…

Feel the Power

Which brings us to driving experience. The Hyundai? I’ve got no complaints, really—it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, with utter predictability. Steering is basically effortless, brakes are nice and aggressive without being grabby. Straight-line acceleration is a bit flaccid, but I think it’s partly due to the electronic nanny that imposes a second-or-two delay when you really mash the gas—must be a new-car thing. But when you’ve got momentum on your side, the 3.3L, 237 hp V6 gains speed spectacularly. And you can even get a little bit of torque-steer, and break the car just a little loose, taking off around a corner. Rob feels it’s got too much power for a front-wheel drive car.

The Concord’s got the AMC 4.2L carbureted straight-six, which was rated back in its day as getting 112 hp, so no one’s ever going to accuse it of being overpowered! Acceleration is pretty glacial, which is good, because I don’t want to get going too fast out of fear of the brakes—they don’t engage until the pedal is near the bottom of its range, even after bleeding all four. The drivetrain leaks a just little bit of nearly all the fluids, but keep ‘em topped up and you’re fine! The automatic shifts nice and smooth, and the motor runs amazingly quiet—even with the a slight manifold leak, it’s a heck of a lot quieter than my Eagle.

On the Inside

Interior-wise, I have to say I vastly preferred the Concord. The cozy striped-blue velour interior totally outdid the Sonata’s all-over leather, which seemed out of place in such a utilitarian sedan, even a top-of-the-line one. The Concord’s cushiness makes you feel like you’re curling up in your favorite blanket to drive, rather than perching nervously on a doctor’s exam table. And the nostalgic but not overpowering old-car smell beats the hell out of the chemical reek of leather-tanning compounds any day. Still, the Concord definitely came up short on creature comforts. Its factory pushbutton AM radio fizzed and popped whenever I changed channels or adjusted volume, whereas the Sonata’s factory setup had booming symphonic sound and mind-blowing acoustics. The sound didn’t distort no matter what you did to it, and its controls were much more intuitive than big brother Genesis. Furthermore, my tech-savvy friend Chris reported quite favorably on all the little ports and wing-dings, especially the built-in USB port—I guess it lets you control your iPod using the car’s interface, or something.

Moreover, I understand that cupholders are a big thing for consumers, and I’m tempted to say that the Hyundai hit it out of the park in this department—never having owned a cupholder-equipped car, any number of these little round cavities impresses will impress my socks off. But the Concord had the same number of cupholders as the Sonata, thanks to an aftermarket unit that’ll set you back about $7.99 at Autozone. Still, the Sonata way outdoes the AMC with secret cubbies and clever hidey-holes—hell, it even had a drop-down sunglasses-holder built into the ceiling between the sun-shades. It doesn’t get much more intuitive than that. Nonetheless, there’s the little issue of fake-wood-trim. Concord: burl walnut win. Sonata: burl walnut fail.

One final note on your image, the vehicular identity you a
dopt cruising around town in these rides. The Sonata will make you feel like someone out of Office Space: a generic little cubicle-dwelling consumer. I felt like I should be driving to Ikea to pick up a living room set, or something. The car won’t stand out in traffic no matter how much of a maniac you are—it blends into the wallpaper, even with the teenagerish metallic nail-polish-colored paint that mine had. I guess that’s good for stealth, but with this ride, you’re not hiding much. Cruising in the Concord makes you feel like kind of an eccentric. It doesn’t have the command of its burlier cousin, the Eagle, a car that commuters will actually get out of the way for—but it is different, and the person behind the wheel is likely to be a bit of a harmless wingnut. I felt like I should’ve had much frizzier hair, purple-tinted glasses, and a cigarette in one of those long holders. Expect to stand out, but not to get negative attention from cops: the boxy Concord just doesn’t look fast enough.

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Posted at 10:34 pm in AMC, Concord, Hyundai, Jen Dunnaway, Sonata, test cars

Comments

AFWeather
Oct 12, 2009 at 2:21 pm

This post made my month! I LOVE AMCs, they’re so unusual, and to read a comparison in which one comes out the winner, especially against a blandmobile econobox like a Sonata, made my MONTH. The AMC I-6 is probably the best engine America ever produced [close behind: Chrysler Slant-six]- if you were interested in making this car quick, drop in a 4.0L from a Jeep [bolts right in], equipped with a crank and rods from the 258. This makes a 4.5L Stroker, good for ~250HP. Not a hge amount but way more than 112, and with ~270 ft/lb of torque to boot. I love your Concord, want one myself for the aforementioned Stroker, or a stock-V8 Concord/Spirit for a 401 swap.

Kevin
Dec 31, 2008 at 10:52 am

HAHAHAHAHAHH you’ve got to be kidding me, I don’t care HOW much you paid for an amc… they ARE afterall OUT OF Business..that is because their design people were on crack!! yes solid mechanicals mostly shared with GM. I did own one of those cars an AMC Spirit same car for all practical purposes, and I did pay very little for it, but it is a disposable car. Try finding parts for that thing if you get a fender bender, try buying anything for it without paying a premium cost. Sorry AMC, the proud makers of Pacer, Matador Gremlin ( are you kidding me you name a car after a mythical creature which causes Mechanical break down?) How about a comparison with a 5 year old Hyundai Accent and see how they compare low cost, fuel injection, dependable. refined. Sorry keep the AMC, at least as long as you can find replacement parts for it.

AMC Hero
Nov 4, 2008 at 7:51 pm

There is a reason that AMC’s I6 stayed in production from 1964 thru 2006, and it’s because it was a dang good engine. Give that Concord 4.0 High Output I6 from a 90′s Jeep and it will bolt right in. Screw the Hyundai; with that motor the Concord could tow the Hyundai back to the dealership–where some ignorant yuppy could buy it and write reviews to Consumer Reports about how they love the look of the cheesy plastic engine cover, cause they aren’t the one who has to find the oil filter when it’s time to change it. As for it’s interior, it may be quieter, but those stiff seats and gov’t regulated headrests are no where near as comfortable as those crush velor seats that you sink into like your riding on top of an angel food cake. AMC all the way!

Hawk
Nov 1, 2008 at 2:41 am

WTF ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?! First AMC is in my opinion on of the few automakers that put 4wd in a unibody car. now its common practice. They jumped the gun a few years and it cost them. Secondly, what the 258 straight 6 4.2 ltr. lacks in power makes up for in torque. secondly… You try and maintain the sonata. I will take the cost of fixing the concord any day. Btw did anyone forget that you have to HAVE full coverage insurance when you make payments on a vehical? Just alittle food for thought. The concord i can just pay liability. If I want. Oh and a side note for all you gearhead powermongers out there…. the concord has room enough to drop most small block v-8′s into it. take a little work but it can be done… sonota… not so much. Sonata figuratively speaking You just died in a carfire!

Eagleneer360
Oct 16, 2008 at 1:20 am

Ok AMC and Hyundai don’t compare brsides being as car. Amc was the best car company that ever existed.

Anonymous
Oct 15, 2008 at 8:14 pm

AMC never heard of it, but depending on the year of the sonata. if it’s the new one than i’ll pick the new sonata other than the old sonatas i would rather pick the AMC compared to the old sonata years. new sonata definately over the old sonatas.

my pick
1: newest model sonata
2: AMC Concord
3: old model sonata (89-06)

Mike
Oct 15, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Rob: “Too much power.” Did this dude just say that a car has too much power? FWD or not, there’s never too much power. Try and find a better way to put down the car, cuz that just makes you look retarded!!! And good case Jen, still, there’s no arguing your Concord is worse than a Hyundai Sonata!

Mike
Oct 15, 2008 at 7:59 pm

I feel bad for Hyundai man, they get no love!!! If you took someone that has never seen a car in their life, and put them inside of this Sonata and then put them in an Acura TL, they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Come on guys, and gals, you’ve got to admit that Hyundai’s are moving up in this world. That interior is nice, whether or not you want to admit it. Then the engine! It’s a 3.3L V6 pumping out 237 HP. That’s more than the 4.0L Mustang V6 Motor makes. All this, and it’s affordable. Shit, anybody who picked the Concord in this matchup is straight crazy and should be shot!!!

john
Oct 15, 2008 at 7:10 pm

You wouldn’t catch me dead in a Hyundai even if they made a hurst. It just feels like a disgrace to be in one no matter if its one of the top cars thats just cause they are cheep and get good mpg give me the concorde anyday

78arrowgt
Oct 15, 2008 at 3:24 pm

AMC is defiantly better. those old straight six’s will run forever

Faran
Oct 15, 2008 at 11:57 am

Are u kidding me?? Why don’t u look at the top ride as of right now, can u guess what it is?? Yes it is a Hyundai Sonata, case closed.

Duston15
Oct 15, 2008 at 1:33 am

AMC, The Hyundai is a cookie cutter POS

Charlie
Oct 15, 2008 at 12:11 am

Half of a fake convertible top FTW!

Anonymous
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:12 pm

non

chris
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:48 pm

i would rather instead of having a concord have my 75 pacer lime green again.
RIP
my little pacer in the sky

plus hyundais are piles too go for the new toyota or honda

Noname666
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:04 am

AMC for one reason, its got balls – something the Hyundai needs.

That and it looks better

Chris Bicknell
Oct 13, 2008 at 6:22 pm

Wow! Nice work here Jen. Very thorough comparison. I love it! I’d really like to see you with the frizzier hair, purple-tinted glasses, and a cigarette in one of those long holders. Now that would be hot!

SpeedCanHurt
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:17 am

AMC. It’s not a Hyundai, sure. That’s why I’d take the AMC.

GTwildfire
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:17 am

SONATA in a heartbeat. My Mom once owned that exact Concord. I LOATHED that car Completely. What a POS. Just a notch or two above a Yugo in my book.

Nate
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:04 am

or with today’s economic market, it would be wise to buy the concord, then save the money what you would have used for the Sonata, just my $0.02 in today’s economic situation

Anonymous
Oct 13, 2008 at 4:03 am

or with today’s economic market, it would be wise to buy the concord, then save the money what you would have used for the Sonata, just my $0.02 in today’s economic situation

Keith
Oct 13, 2008 at 2:06 am

AMC

Evan
Oct 12, 2008 at 2:14 pm

Well done Jen! That was great. I’ve got to say I’ve never seen an A/C Pump quite like that one before either.
I agree though the AMC Has way more personality than the Hyundai. Take $20,000 and supe up the concord!!!!

gtbic96
Oct 12, 2008 at 1:38 pm

when RealitySlurps said “There’s a reason they don’t build that car anymore” he may have meant the 300M, which was discountinued in 2004 and replaced with the new 300 line-up for 2005. slight miscommunication maybe? just a thought.

Derrick
Oct 12, 2008 at 10:37 am

What ever happened to soft fuzzy seats, you just don’t see them any more?

Nes!
Oct 12, 2008 at 7:06 am

OOOOOOOOOOOH RealitySlurps got told!!!!!!!!!

70Javelin360
Oct 12, 2008 at 5:28 am

amc for me
…and RealitySlurps
get your facts straight, chrysler never has had anything to do with AMC….they got owner ship of AMC through buying stocks from renault who had strong ties with amc in the 80′s…..so renault sold out….chrysler became owners of amc by having 51% of their stocks… chrysler bought them so they could get the jeep line because from 1970-87 AMC owned jeep….that is chrysler’s only ties with amc. once they had ownership they shut down all AMC plants except the engine one because they still used AMC v8 till 93 model year and I6 till 2004ish

Phil Racicot
Oct 12, 2008 at 4:01 am

The Concord has my vote! I don’t like FWD cars like the Sonata. And I don’t like RWD Hyundais either (the Pony and the Stellar!).

Adam
Oct 12, 2008 at 3:54 am

The Sonata’s interior is surprisingly nice, but it’s still 26K and I can think of quite a few new cars under that price tag that I would much rather have. In this comparo we have no new car option so…

AMC FTW it is!!!

RealitySlurps
Oct 11, 2008 at 8:20 pm

AMC? You’re friggin’ kidding.

The Sonata is reliable, rides perfect, possesses tomb-like silence, will actually hold together above 130mph and I actually get 31 mpg on the highway. My former Chrysler 300M actually nickel and dimed me to death…in and out of the shop. The Sonata after 4 mos. is perfect and the best car I’ve ever owned.

There’s a reason they don’t build that car anymore and a reason their (former) parent company will be sold again next week. Chaos doesn’t survive in the car market.

cknarf
Oct 11, 2008 at 5:59 pm

AMC!

Fergy
Oct 11, 2008 at 5:48 am

Concord! because it actually has personality.

1988montecarloss
Oct 11, 2008 at 12:03 am

the amc is way better i agree with austin…but instead of replacing everything id just replace whats wrong and put in a 572 chevy:)

Corona
Oct 11, 2008 at 12:00 am

Concord all the way. I drove an 80′s police vehicle in high school it would not die until I threw a rear axle.

Nes!
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:36 pm

Austin sums it up! Contest closed, don’t post anymore comments!

Austin
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:33 pm

AMC for me as well. It isn’t a new car, and I hate new cars with such a passion. Plus, the inline six is an engine that is simply amazing. And also as has been said, no shitty plastic engine cover. I want to see an engine, not a chunk of plastic(though, even with the cover removed, you can usually still only see plastic). The Concord is RWD, which is also a plus. Also, for the price of the Hyundai, you could buy the Concord, replace every single part, have it repainted and a new interior put in and have enough money for a keggar afterwords. Sounds like a winner to me!

JoshuaS
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:09 pm

$100 says that straight 6 will outlast that v6 even with the miles already on it.

I hope I win that bet, apparently I can take that money and buy a concord.

Nes!
Oct 10, 2008 at 11:00 pm

AMC for me! No plastic engine covers!!!