2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2011 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 353 kg more than 2011 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio. 2011 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Altima | Rio |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 43 L |
