2008 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 16 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1511 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
