2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 382 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer 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 | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Hyundai | Ford |
| Model | Santa Fe | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
