2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 535 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 6. 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 (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
