2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 115 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
Because 2004 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Hyundai | BMW |
| Model | Santa Fe | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
