2002 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (139 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 255 kg more than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
