2008 Honda Element vs. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 205 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2008 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Element | 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | Element | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2352 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
