1999 Kia Rio vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 13 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1999 Kia Rio. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 845 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 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Rio. (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Rio. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Rio | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Kia | BMW |
| Model | Rio | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2968 mm |
