2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 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 81 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 287 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 2005 Mazda 3. 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 (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda 3 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 | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
