2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 9 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), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 278 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima 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 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
Model | Santa Fe | Altima |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
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 | 270 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 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 | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1512 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2675 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |