2001 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 295 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe (255 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
