2006 Kia Sportage vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 880 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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 Sportage (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | 323 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
