2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (140 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (212 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
