2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 3 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Elantra (145 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Elantra 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 465 kg more than 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Hyundai Elantra. 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 (212 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Hyundai Elantra. (176 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Hyundai Elantra. 2011 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Elantra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
