1997 De Tomaso Guara vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 De Tomaso Guara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 De Tomaso Guara would be higher. At 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 De Tomaso Guara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 De Tomaso Guara (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 De Tomaso Guara should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 De Tomaso Guara weights approximately 49 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 De Tomaso Guara 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 1997 De Tomaso Guara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio, 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, 1997 De Tomaso Guara (402 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1997 De Tomaso Guara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1997 De Tomaso Guara has manual transmission. 1997 De Tomaso Guara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 De Tomaso Guara | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Kia |
| Model | Guara | Rio |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
