2005 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,566 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 715 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2566 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
