2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2010 Kia Rio
To start off, 2010 Kia Rio is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,838 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2010 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 7 kg more than 2010 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Kia Rio, 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Rio. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2010 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2010 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2010 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | Roadster | Rio |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1838 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1073 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4249 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2499 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
