2008 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 315 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS.
Because 2008 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Lexus | Hyundai |
| Model | IS | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 276 HP |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
