2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Lexus LS
To start off, 2008 Lexus LS 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 4,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus LS (389 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus LS weights approximately 555 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.
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 Lexus LS (520 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Santa Fe | LS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 4969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 89.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2980 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 84 L |
