1998 Ford Taurus 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 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Taurus (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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, 1998 Ford Taurus (264 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Taurus | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Taurus | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
