2002 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (139 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 4 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 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
