2009 Kia Rio vs. 1998 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Falcon (221 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 7 kg more than 2009 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ford Falcon 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 1998 Ford Falcon. 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 1998 Ford Falcon 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. 1998 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1998 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Kia | Ford |
| Model | Rio | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
