2008 Kia Rio vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
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 New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 107 kg more than 2008 Kia Rio.
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 (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
