2004 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe (140 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 721 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Santa Fe | Cherry |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1546 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
