2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 450 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2259 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
