2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2005 Mazda 3
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 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 628 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. 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 2005 Mazda 3. 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 (285 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
