2008 Kia Rio vs. 2001 Nissan Xterra

To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 2,391 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 516 kg more than 2008 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2001 Nissan Xterra 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, 2001 Nissan Xterra 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, 2001 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2001 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio. 2001 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Kia Rio 2001 Nissan Xterra
Make Kia Nissan
Model Rio Xterra
Year Released 2008 2001
Body Type Sedan SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1399 cc 2391 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 139 HP 141 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 125 Nm 209 Nm
Torque RPM 6500 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 75.5 mm 89 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78.1 mm 96 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1064 kg 1580 kg
Vehicle Length 4550 mm 4530 mm
Vehicle Height 1490 mm 1890 mm
Wheelbase Size 2510 mm 2660 mm