1997 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 430 kg more than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (212 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
