1998 Mazda 323 vs. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 778 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Model | 323 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1898 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
