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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine.
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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio. 2008 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1399 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 152 HP |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
