1999 Kia Rio vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1999 Kia Rio is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Rio (97 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 225 kg more than 1999 Kia Rio.
Because 1989 Nissan Laurel 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1999 Kia Rio (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Rio | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2680 mm |
