2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 14 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Santa Fe | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
