2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 615 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 2008 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 1673 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
