2001 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Noble M12
To start off, 2003 Noble M12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Kia Rio would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Noble M12 weights approximately 125 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.
Because 2003 Noble M12 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 2003 Noble M12. 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, 2003 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 2003 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Kia | Noble |
| Model | Rio | M12 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2440 mm |
