2004 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (140 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 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. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
| Model | Santa Fe | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
