2011 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 468 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 394 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 656 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
| Model | S | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 621 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 999 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2296 kg | 1902 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 75 L |
