2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Kia Carens
To start off, 2011 Kia Carens is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda 3 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 @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2011 Kia Carens. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Carens weights approximately 81 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 Kia Carens (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2011 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | 3 | Carens |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
