2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 193 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 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
