2003 Isuzu D-MAX vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Isuzu D-MAX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Isuzu D-MAX would be higher. At 2,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Isuzu D-MAX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Isuzu D-MAX. (129 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2003 Isuzu D-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Isuzu D-MAX weights approximately 158 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2003 Isuzu D-MAX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Isuzu D-MAX 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 Isuzu D-MAX (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Isuzu D-MAX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2003 Isuzu D-MAX has manual transmission. 2003 Isuzu D-MAX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Isuzu D-MAX | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Isuzu | Hyundai |
| Model | D-MAX | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1848 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2700 mm |
