2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1998 Mazda Levante
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 Mazda Levante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Levante would be higher. At 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Mazda Levante. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda Levante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda Levante weights approximately 202 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Levante. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Levante.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1998 Mazda Levante | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | Levante |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |
