2008 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. (276 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 200 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
Because 2008 BMW M3 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 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | M3 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
