2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1996 Volkswagen Jetta
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 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 (304 Nm) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. (165 Nm). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1996 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
