2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 74 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (255 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1646 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
