2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Ram (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Ram weights approximately 246 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Ram 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Ram. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Ram. 2003 Dodge Ram 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. 2003 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Hyundai | Dodge |
| Model | Santa Fe | Ram |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 3906 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2790 mm |
