2003 Mazda 323 vs. 2010 Kia Soul
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Soul (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 323. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Soul weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Kia Soul (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 323. (145 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 323 | 2010 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 323 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
