2012 Kia Soul vs. 2010 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 5 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 5 weights approximately 322 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul.
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, 2010 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul. 2010 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Soul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Soul | 2010 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Soul | 5 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1228 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
