2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima 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 400 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
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, 2002 Nissan Altima (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Santa Fe | Altima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4685 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1725 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
