2006 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Rio would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Regal (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2006 Kia Rio. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 480 kg more than 2006 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, 2012 Buick Regal (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Rio. 2012 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Rio | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Kia | Buick |
| Model | Rio | Regal |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
