2005 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Rio would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2005 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 898 kg more than 2005 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Kia Rio. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Rio. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Rio | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1341 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 2042 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
