2008 Kia Rio vs. 1997 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 74 kg more than 1997 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Kia Rio. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Impreza (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1997 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1997 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Kia | Subaru |
| Model | Rio | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.1 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1079 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
