2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 588 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. 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, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (335 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 1349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 14.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
