2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (192 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 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 1998 Mazda RX-7.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 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 (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda RX-7. 2003 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sorento | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
