2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1988 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 750 kg more than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Mazda RX-7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 1988 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sorento | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
