2001 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 10 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (132 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima 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 73 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Kia Optima. 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, 2011 Kia Optima (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2011 Kia Optima 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. 2011 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Santa Fe | Optima |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
