2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (276 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
| Model | CLS | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
