2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 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 90 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 605 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. 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 2007 Mazda 3. 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
