2009 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Rio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Rio would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 254 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.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
