2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 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 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (262 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento 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 505 kg more than 2008 Kia Sorento.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento 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 | 2008 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
