2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 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 2,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 629 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.
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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
