2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 515 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 3 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
