2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 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 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 295 kg more than 2011 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 2011 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 (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
