2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
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 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 171 kg more than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 88 L |
