2009 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 494 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Kia Rio (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Rio | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
