2005 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 404 kg more than 2012 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 2012 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 (250 Nm) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm). This means 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1704 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
