2008 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 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 Nissan Altima (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Altima | Rio |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 43 L |
