2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2001 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2001 Kia Potentia. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Potentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Potentia weights approximately 155 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2001 Kia Potentia 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 2001 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Potentia. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Potentia. 2001 Kia Potentia has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2001 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 3 | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
