2007 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Frontier (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 404 kg more than 2012 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, 2007 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2007 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2007 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Frontier | Rio |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
