1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Kia Rio
To start off, 2010 Kia Rio is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2010 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 184 kg more than 2010 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Golf | Rio |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4026 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2499 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
