2007 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Rio weights approximately 83 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2007 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2007 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Rio | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
