2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 4 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 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. (145 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 167 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 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 (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 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 2012 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Elantra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 48 L |
