2010 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 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 279 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2010 Mazda RX-8 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Model | RX-8 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
