2003 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 237 kg more than 2009 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 2003 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Thunderbird | Rio |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
