2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 328 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
