2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (187 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 320 kg more than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
