2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 475 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
