2006 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2006 Kia Rio is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,838 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Rio weights approximately 64 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Rio, 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Rio. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Rio | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Rio | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
