2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 8 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS 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 30 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS 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 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Santa Fe | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
