2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 380 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1997 Kia Potentia (182 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1997 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
