2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 178 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 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 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. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1646 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
