2008 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Because 1981 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Toyota Celica (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Rio | Celica |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
