2009 Kia Sportage vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 6 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 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2009 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
