2001 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2007 Lexus IS
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS is newer by 6 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lexus IS (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lexus IS 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 15 kg more than 2007 Lexus IS.
Because 2007 Lexus IS 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 2007 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2007 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2007 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2007 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Santa Fe | IS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
