2001 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 591 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 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 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
