1998 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 235 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 320 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | 320 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
