2004 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (140 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 76 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1546 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
