1997 Kia Retona vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Retona would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1997 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Retona weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 1997 Kia Retona (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1997 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1997 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Retona | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Retona | 6 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2620 mm |
