2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2013 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2013 Kia Sorento is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Sorento (272 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sorento, 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, 2013 Kia Sorento (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2013 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2013 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-8 | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1735 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
