2009 Kia Rio vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 442 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
