2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1998 Acura RL
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura RL weights approximately 505 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Acura RL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1998 Acura RL | |
| Make | Hyundai | Acura |
| Model | Santa Fe | RL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
