2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 80 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (162 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 205 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 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 (307 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
