2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Carnival would be higher. At 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Carnival (142 HP @ 8800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carnival weights approximately 1035 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Kia Carnival (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 3 | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
