2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1996 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 380 kg more than 1996 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lada Niva 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, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1996 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lada |
| Model | Santa Fe | Niva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1690 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 42 L |
