2002 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 7 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe (139 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 471 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (185 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2009 Hyundai Elantra 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. 2009 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Elantra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1119 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
