A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Engine Size
1497 cc
6749 cc
Claimed Mileage
17.5 km/l
6.29 km/l
Ground Clearance
130 mm
136 mm
Boot / Load Bay
473 l
530 l
Airbags
6
8
Kerb Weight
1355 kg
2560 kg
Seating Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Warranty
5
4 years; regional conditions apply
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Both Elantra and Phantom are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Phantom
+60 pts
Efficiency
Elantra
+38 pts
Safety
Phantom
+7 pts
Practicality
Phantom
+3 pts
Ownership
Elantra
+21 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Elantra
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Phantom
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Elantra
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Phantom
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Model Introduced Year
1990
2018
Generation
Seventh generation Elantra on Hyundai's K3 platform; bold parametric design language marks a clear break from the conservative sixth gen
Eighth-generation Phantom in standard-wheelbase Series II form
Facelift History
Seventh generation launched globally in 2020 and brought to SA; significant leap in styling and interior quality over the previous generation
The eighth-generation Phantom was presented globally in 2017, introduced in South Africa in 2018 and received its light-touch Series II evolution in 2022
Facelift Launched Since
2020
2022
Tare Mass Kg
1355 kg
-
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
Four-door luxury saloon
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
active
Segment
Not confirmed
Full-size super-luxury saloon
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
Internal-combustion passenger car
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
LSD Available
No
-
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Engine Position
Front
-
Gearbox
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
8-speed ZF automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-speed ZF automatic
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No lockable differential
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
2.81:1
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
8
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Torque converter
Drivetrain
Not confirmed
Rear-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
No
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
Rear-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No lockable differential
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
8
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Claimed Mileage
17.5 km/l
6.29 km/l
City Mileage
14.0 km/l
5.10 km/l
Highway Mileage
21.0 km/l
8.08 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
90 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6e (B6e)
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
15.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
15.9 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
15.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption
Yes
15.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
15.9 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
15.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
47
90
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
Automatic start/stop: No
Real-world Mileage
17.5 km/l
6.29 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
566-581 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.5-15.9 l/100 km WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
608 km
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Yes
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Yes
Dynamic Traction Control
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Rear child-safety locks
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Brake Assist
Yes
Dynamic Brake Control
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Low tyre-pressure warning
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Engine immobiliser
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
Dynamic Brake Control
Driver Airbag
Yes
Driver airbag
EBD
Yes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Engine immobiliser
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Front-passenger airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
TCS
Yes
Dynamic Traction Control
Stability Control
Yes
Dynamic Stability Control
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Park Distance Control, front and rear
AEB
No
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Front Head Protection System
Hill Hold
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Front side-impact airbags
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Active front knee protection
ABS EBD
Yes
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Cruise Control
Yes
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Active Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Rear View Camera
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Speed Limit Information
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
360 Degree Camera
Not confirmed
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Alertness Assistant
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
High-Beam Assistance
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Rear View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Active Cruise Control
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Around View Monitor
Not confirmed
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Seat Material
Leather-Look
A-grade leather hides with Bespoke alternatives
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
-
Heated Seats
Front
Front and rear
Ventilated Seats
No
Front ventilated seats fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
No
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Leather seat trim fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle; Bespoke alternatives available
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic four-zone climate control
Power Windows
All
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Yes
Comfort Access keyless entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Push Button Start
Wireless Charging
Yes
Wireless smartphone charging
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic four-zone climate control
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Push Button Start
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Push Button Start
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Push Button Start
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
No spare wheel
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic four-zone climate control
Rim Size
17-inch Alloy
21- and 22-inch approved fitments
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
16
Unlocking
Yes
Comfort Access keyless entry
Wireless Charger
Yes
Wireless smartphone charging
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Electric Tailgate
Not confirmed
Power open/close luggage compartment
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Length
4680 mm
5762 mm
Width
1825 mm
2018 mm
Height
1415 mm
1646 mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
3552 mm
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
90 l
Kerb Weight
1355 kg
2560 kg
Ground Clearance (Default)
130 mm
136 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
473 l
530 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1860 kg
3235 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
1046 mm
Payload Capacity
Not confirmed
675 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
0 kg
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
978 mm
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
1105 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not confirmed
136 mm
Number of Rows
Not confirmed
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
Not confirmed
6.55 m
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol
Cylinders
4
12
Valves
16
48
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.0:1
Drive Type
FWD
RWD
Top Speed
180 km/h
250 km/h
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
N74B68A
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Twin Turbocharged
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
89 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
90.4 mm
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal
Low
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
6749 cc
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
8-Speed Automatic
0-100 km/h
11.2 sec
5.3 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
62.7 kW/tonne
164.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
351.6 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto
Yes
Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Bluetooth wireless technology
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
16
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
12.3-inch colour TFT display with LED backlighting
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
16
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Android Auto compatibility
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
USB Type-C ports
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Daytime-running lights
Fog Lamps
LED
Front fog lamps
Roof Rails
No
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
No
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
Sedan
-
DRL
LED
Daytime-running lights
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Daytime-running lights
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Front fog lamps
Headlamps
Full LED
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Headlight Type
Full LED
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Headlights
Full LED
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
No
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
Bespoke and two-tone exterior paint commissions
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
No
No lockable differential
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Ground Clearance Max
130 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
130 mm
-
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Tyre Size
225/45 R17
255/50 R21 109H M+S all-round; 255/45 R22 107Y front and 285/40 R22 110Y rear; 255/50 R21 109Y front and 285/45 R21 113Y rear
Wheel Type
17-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
No spare wheel
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch Alloy
21- and 22-inch approved fitments
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Steel
No spare wheel
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
17-inch Alloy
21- and 22-inch approved fitments
Wheels
17-inch Alloy
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double-wishbone front axle with self-levelling air suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Five-link rear axle with self-levelling air suspension
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Double-wishbone front axle with self-levelling air suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Five-link rear axle with self-levelling air suspension
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
4 years / unlimited km
Service Plan Distance
4
4 years / unlimited km
Alternator
120A
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Service Plan
4
4 years / unlimited km
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Warranty Years
5
4 years; regional conditions apply
Warranty Kilometers
5
4 years; regional conditions apply
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
4 years; regional conditions apply
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
4 years; regional conditions apply
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
361 g/km
Start Stop System
No
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
95 RON; minimum 91 RON
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Spec
Elantra
Phantom
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
Flagship saloon balancing owner driving with formal rear-passenger use
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Phantom
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
44/100
Elantra
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Rolls-Royce Phantom
wins with 71 pts
vs 64 pts for Elantra
In structured scoring, Phantom emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Elantra may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Phantom edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Elantra 67 vs Phantom 29. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Elantra 92, Phantom 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Elantra 65, Phantom 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Elantra 64, Phantom 67. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Elantra 36, Phantom 96. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Phantom edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Phantom scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Elantra and Phantom in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Elantra scores 36 vs 96.
Efficiency: Elantra scores 67 vs 29.
Safety: Elantra scores 92 vs 99.
Practicality: Elantra scores 64 vs 67.
Ownership: Elantra scores 65 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Phantom
the advantage in this comparison.
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