2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 267 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2003 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (335 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 98 L |
