2003 Honda Element vs. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 115 kg more than 2003 Honda Element. 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 Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Element. (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Element | 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Element | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
