2012 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Rio weights approximately 41 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Nissan Skyline 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 1981 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, both vehicles can yield 167 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Rio | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rio | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1126 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4046 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1455 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2620 mm |
