2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 245 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
| Model | C | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
