Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Kia Spectra Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Mazda to the dealership as the Spectra. The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 guzzles a lot of gasoline compared to the Kia Spectra. In terms of fuel economy, the Kia Spectra bests the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3. The Mazda is tremendously more expensive than the Kia Spectra as far as MSRP. The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 is tremendously more expensive than the Kia with respect to final price.

Utility
Neither the Spectra nor the Mazda has a marked advantage as far as seating capacity.

Convenience
The MAZDASPEED MAZDA3's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Spectra. You will quite certainly have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Mazda than with the Kia Spectra.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Kia Spectra offers a bit more head room than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, there really isn't much of a difference. The MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 is not particularly more spacious for your passengers than the Kia Spectra.

Dimensions
The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 is a tad more ponderous than the Kia Spectra. The Kia Spectra rides lower than the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Kia Spectra and the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
The Kia Spectra is likely to feel slightly slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3. With respect to horsepower, the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 packs quite a punch and will knock the Kia down a few rungs. On the flip side, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. With its tiny horsepower-to-weight ratio, the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 will knock you back into your seat when you step on the gas.

Handling
The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 and the Kia Spectra have about comparable tires. With its tighter turning circle, the Kia Spectra is definitely more agile than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the flip side, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Mazda has a bigger engine than the Spectra. Remember that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but smaller engines can be stressed more. The Kia Spectra could learn a lesson or two from the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 regarding pickup. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 is tremendously more powerful than the Kia Spectra.

Overview
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 isn't quite as generous as the Kia Spectra's.

Other
The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 emits fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Kia Spectra.