2010 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 470 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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, 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4676 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1725 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
