2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 9 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 664 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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, 2012 Kia Sorento, 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, 2012 Kia Sorento (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | Roadster | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1838 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 68 L |
