2001 Kia Rio vs. 2007 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 6 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sportage weights approximately 624 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 2007 Kia Sportage 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 2007 Kia Sportage. 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio. 2007 Kia Sportage 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. 2007 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 2007 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Kia | Kia |
| Model | Rio | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2640 mm |
