2004 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (140 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 104 kg more than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus IS 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 2009 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2009 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Santa Fe | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1546 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
