2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
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 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 305 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (297 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
