1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 122 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Rio |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 45 L |
