2008 Honda Element vs. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2008 Honda Element 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2008 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Element | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
