2012 Kia Rio vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 296 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Rio | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rio | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1126 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4046 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1455 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.9 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
