2004 Acura MDX vs. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2004 Acura MDX is newer by 1 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, 2004 Acura MDX (238 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura MDX should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Acura MDX weights approximately 180 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Acura MDX (332 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Acura MDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura MDX | 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Acura | Hyundai |
| Model | MDX | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
