2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 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 398 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 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, both vehicles can yield 200 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1776 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
