2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2006 Kia Carnival

To start off, 2006 Kia Carnival is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,902 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Carnival (182 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (145 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Carnival weights approximately 683 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6. 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, 2006 Kia Carnival (343 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2006 Kia Carnival has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Kia Carnival will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Mazda 6 2006 Kia Carnival
Make Mazda Kia
Model 6 Carnival
Year Released 2003 2006
Body Type Station Wagon Minivan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1989 cc 2902 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 145 HP 182 HP
Engine RPM 3500 RPM 3800 RPM
Torque 310 Nm 343 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 1500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 97.2 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 98 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 18.0:1
Fuel Type Diesel Diesel
Acceleration 0-100mph 10.6 seconds 15.2 seconds
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 7 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1485 kg 2168 kg
Vehicle Length 4690 mm 4820 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1990 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1820 mm
Wheelbase Size 2680 mm 2900 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 6.5 L/100km 7.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 80 L