2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2005 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 3,458 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 69 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 5 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2005 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3458 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
