1999 Kia Rio vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Rio would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1999 Kia Rio. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 497 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 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Rio. (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Rio | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3200 mm |
