2004 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 6. (138 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 299 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
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 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 6 | Forte |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| 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 | 138 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 52 L |
