2009 Kia Rio vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 389 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1996 Ford Escort 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. 1996 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Kia | Ford |
| Model | Rio | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
