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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (242 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 52 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Sonata (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (306 Nm @ 4500 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 | 3342 cc | 3341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1058 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 75 L |
