The old Elantra also has a good engine for a 1.6. In terms of straight line performance, they're quite similar. The Elantra has better steering but the Altis has a better-balanced chassis and brakes.

Both are faster than a Mazda 3 1.5 (since the Mazda doesn't come with a manual), but both don't handle quite as well.

Have not driven the new Elantra so I can't comment on its handling, but since it's the same engine then straight line performance should be the same.

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