2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 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 291 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1776 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
