2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2005 Nissan Hardbody
To start off, 2005 Nissan Hardbody is newer by 2 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 42 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 432 kg more than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 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 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 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 @ 3500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (208 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan Hardbody has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan Hardbody 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 | 2005 Nissan Hardbody | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Santa Fe | Hardbody |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1358 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
