1999 Kia Rio vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1999 Kia Rio is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Holden Sunbird (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1999 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 235 kg more than 1999 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Holden Sunbird 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 1978 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1978 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Rio | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Kia | Holden |
| Model | Rio | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2590 mm |
