2001 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Kia Rio is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 260 kg more than 2001 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
