2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 713 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Model | 3 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1898 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
