2007 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 2,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 392 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
