2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. (192 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 476 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe (436 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Model | 3 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.1 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
