2001 Kia Rio vs. 2005 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 4 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 635 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 2005 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 2005 BMW 520. 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, 2005 BMW 520 (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio. 2005 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2001 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 2005 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Kia | BMW |
| Model | Rio | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2950 mm |
