2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 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 2,701 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 41 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 496 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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 (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
