2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 2,399 cc, 2006 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac Solstice (177 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 243 kg more than 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
Because 2006 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. 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 Pontiac Solstice (225 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2006 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
| Model | Santa Fe | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2399 cc |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 49 L |
