2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2008 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Carnival would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Kia Carnival. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carnival weights approximately 393 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Carnival. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2008 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Hyundai | Kia |
| Model | Santa Fe | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2083 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4685 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1725 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
