2009 Kia Rio vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 284 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Kia | Pontiac |
| Model | Rio | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 69 L |
