2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 16 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
| Model | Sharan | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1706 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
