2007 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Sportage (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sportage weights approximately 547 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2007 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Sportage | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1687 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
