2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,458 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 196 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 3458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1646 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
