2001 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 2001 Kia Rio is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Kia Rio (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2001 Kia Rio.
Because 1981 Pontiac 1000 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 1981 Pontiac 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Kia Rio (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Rio | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2400 mm |
