2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (198 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 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, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
