2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 292 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | GTI |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
