2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 475 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 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
| Model | Santa Fe | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
