2008 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (141 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 436 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Civic | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
