2009 Kia Rio vs. 1978 Toyota Corona

To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Corona (90 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 418 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona.

Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 Toyota Corona (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Kia Rio 1978 Toyota Corona
Make Kia Toyota
Model Rio Corona
Year Released 2009 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1343 cc 1968 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 81 HP 90 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 117 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 75.5 mm 88.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 80 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1508 kg 1090 kg
Vehicle Length 4250 mm 4300 mm
Vehicle Width 1690 mm 1660 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2420 mm 2510 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 60 L