2008 Kia Sportage vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 54 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Kia Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3. 2008 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
