2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (151 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 378 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (335 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
