1996 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 2 kg more than 2011 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio. 2011 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Rio |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4016 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2499 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
