Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Kia Spectra5 Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Spectra5 to the dealership as the Mazda MAZDASPEED3. Producing an accurate fuel economy evaluation is so tricky that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the Kia Spectra5 is the winner as far as fuel economy. The Mazda pales in comparison to the Kia Spectra5 regarding gas mileage. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is significantly more expensive than the Kia Spectra5 regarding MSRP.

Utility
The Kia Spectra5 and the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Convenience
The Mazda MAZDASPEED3's fuel tank will need to be replenished slightly more often than the unit in the Spectra5.

Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the Spectra5's front cabin compared to the Mazda MAZDASPEED3.

Dimensions
The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is tremendously more bulky than the Kia. The Kia Spectra5's tank is roughly the same size as the Mazda MAZDASPEED3's, though the Mazda MAZDASPEED3's is somewhat bigger. The Kia and the Mazda compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the MAZDASPEED3 packs quite a wallop and will knock the Kia Spectra5 down a few rungs. On the other hand, bear in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Kia Spectra5 and the Mazda most definitely handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 has a bigger engine than the Kia. Bear in mind that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. Torque equals pickup, and the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 will have picked up and gone by the time the Kia Spectra5 finally gets moving. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3 packs quite a wallop compared to the Kia regarding torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration.

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