2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 736 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. 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 (249 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 2358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 176 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.7 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1119 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
