2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 267 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Dodge Nitro (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Nitro | Rio |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3698 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 43 L |
