2008 Kia Rio vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Rio would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 119 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Rio | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1079 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
