2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1998 Mazda Levante
To start off, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Levante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Levante 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 55 more horse power than 1998 Mazda Levante. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda Levante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 530 kg more than 1998 Mazda Levante. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Levante. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Levante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1998 Mazda Levante | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | Levante |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2230 mm |
