2009 Kia Rio vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 201 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 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Rio. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
