2008 Kia Rio vs. 1989 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 1,343 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Rio (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Micra. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 419 kg more than 1989 Nissan Micra. 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, 2008 Kia Rio (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Micra. (96 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1989 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Micra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1235 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2310 mm |
