2004 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Infiniti M
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Infiniti M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Infiniti M would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Infiniti M (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (140 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Infiniti M weights approximately 201 kg more than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Infiniti M 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 2003 Infiniti M. 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, 2003 Infiniti M (451 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Infiniti M 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. 2003 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Infiniti M | |
| Make | Hyundai | Infiniti |
| Model | Santa Fe | M |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1546 kg | 1747 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 79 L |
