2005 Kia Carnival vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Carnival would be higher. At 2,902 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carnival. (143 HP @ 8800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Carnival weights approximately 117 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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, 2005 Kia Carnival (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Carnival has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Carnival will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Carnival | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Carnival | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2902 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
