2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (192 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 511 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (436 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
