2009 Kia Sorento vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sorento (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 900 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Kia Sorento (307 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2009 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sorento | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sorento | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
