2011 Cadillac Escalade vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Cadillac Escalade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Cadillac Escalade would be higher. At 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (276 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 897 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Cadillac Escalade 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 2011 Cadillac Escalade. 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, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Cadillac Escalade | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Cadillac | Hyundai |
| Model | Escalade | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 497 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2667 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5144 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2007 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1928 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2946 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 68 L |
