Quack, quack, quack, Ducky.
My take on the two cars;
Both good reliable vehicles. Elantra slightly smaller and less power.
Plus for the Elantra is that it is a cheaper car to buy - this means that
you could either cut your costs or, if you bought the Elantra, you could
use the difference in price to add on your preferred upgrades. If your
preference is for performance, acceleration and speed then the Sonata
could be your best bet. If you want reliability and comfort then either
will give you what you want. Below is someone else's take on the two cars.
Elantra vs Sonata COMPARISON.
Comfort
The Hyundai Elantra offers rear passengers about the same space to stretch out as the Hyundai Sonata with comparable rear head- and legroom in both vehicles. The Hyundai Sonata will be a favorite with taller drivers due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Hyundai Elantra.
Convenience
The Hyundai Sonata requires fewer visits to the gas station than the Hyundai Elantra, making it more convenient to drive.
Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Based on MSRP, the Hyundai Elantra is clearly a better financial choice over the Hyundai Sonata. Another consideration is the Destination Charge, which is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle to the dealer from where it's built. The Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata have similar Destination Charges.
Dimensions
Since the Hyundai Elantra is much slimmer than the Hyundai Sonata, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the Hyundai Elantra, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Hyundai Sonata.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Elantra has much less torque than the Hyundai Sonata, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.
Handling
The Hyundai Elantra has a smaller turning radius than the Hyundai Sonata, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.
Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Hyundai Elantra is significantly less powerful than the Hyundai Sonata. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.
Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata. The Hyundai Elantra has less cargo capacity than the Hyundai Sonata, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.
Warranty
The Hyundai Elantra comes with essentially the same basic warranty as the Hyundai Sonata