2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2001 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Potentia weights approximately 225 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Kia Potentia 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 2001 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3, 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, 2005 Mazda 3 (225 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Potentia. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Potentia. 2001 Kia Potentia has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2001 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 3 | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
