2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 500 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
