2001 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Lexus RX
To start off, 2012 Lexus RX is newer by 11 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus RX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus RX (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus RX should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus RX weights approximately 175 kg more than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Lexus RX. 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, 2012 Lexus RX (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (255 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus RX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Lexus RX | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Santa Fe | RX |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 73 L |
