2008 Kia Rio vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 3 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 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Rio.
Because 2011 Nissan Frontier 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 2011 Nissan Frontier. 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 2011 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 2486 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
