2009 Kia Rio vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,343 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rio (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 752 kg more than 1996 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Kia Rio (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Rio | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
