2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 454 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
