2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2004 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Sonata 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 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 24 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 382 kg more than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (241 Nm). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2004 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
