2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. 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 Nissan Altima. 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Santa Fe | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
