2002 Mazda 323 vs. 1999 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2002 Mazda 323 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 323. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Potentia weights approximately 310 kg more than 2002 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Kia Potentia 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 1999 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 323, 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, 1999 Kia Potentia (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 323. (145 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 323. 1999 Kia Potentia has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 323 | 1999 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 323 | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
