2007 Kia Rio vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 326 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio. 1997 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. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Rio | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
