2008 Kia Sorento vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 870 kg more than 2006 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 2006 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 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2008 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sorento | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sorento | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1999 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.3 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
