2005 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. 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, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (201 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2012 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 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 | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
