2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Mazda 323
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 323. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 525 kg more than 2003 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (297 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 323. (145 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 323 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
