2008 Kia Sorento vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 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 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (262 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 45 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 2008 Kia Sorento 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, 2008 Kia Sorento 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sorento | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sorento | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
