2009 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 99 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
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 Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
