2001 Kia Rio vs. 2009 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra is newer by 8 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Sentra (138 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 404 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, 2009 Nissan Sentra (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 2009 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2690 mm |
