1997 Nissan Sentra vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 804 kg more than 1997 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Sentra. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Sentra | 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Nissan | Hyundai |
| Model | Sentra | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2700 mm |
