2000 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda 626 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
Because 2000 Mazda 626 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Rio. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mazda 626 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2000 Mazda 626 (392 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2000 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda 626 | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 626 | Rio |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 43 L |
