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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 745 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (249 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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 | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
