2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 3,458 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 212 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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 2012 Kia Forte. 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 (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Santa Fe | Forte |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3458 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 52 L |
