2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2011 Kia Sorento is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Kia Sorento. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Sorento weights approximately 330 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Kia Sorento (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-8 | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1745 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
