1997 Kia Sephia vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Sephia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Sephia would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Kia Sephia. (79 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Sephia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Sephia weights approximately 55 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Kia Sephia, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Sephia. (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Sephia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Kia Sephia | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sephia | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
