2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 120 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.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Santa Fe | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| 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 | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
