2006 Kia Carens vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Kia Carens is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2006 Kia Carens. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Carens weights approximately 215 kg more than 2004 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, 2006 Kia Carens (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Kia Carens has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Kia Carens will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Carens | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Carens | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
