2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1998 Mazda Levante
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Levante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Levante would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Levante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda Levante (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda Levante should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 445 kg more than 1998 Mazda Levante.
Because 1998 Mazda Levante is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda Levante 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, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Levante. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Levante. 1998 Mazda Levante has automatic transmission and 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda Levante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1998 Mazda Levante | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | Levante |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2230 mm |
