2008 BMW X3 vs. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW X3 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 X3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 245 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | X3 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |
