2008 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 48 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio. 2003 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2512 mm |
