2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 495 kg more than 2003 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
Model | Santa Fe | 3 |
Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 229 Nm | 195 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 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 | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1240 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4685 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1725 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2850 mm |
Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |