2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 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 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 295 kg more than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (501 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
