2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 553 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 626 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
