2012 Kia Rio vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, both 2012 Kia Rio and 2012 Lexus IS were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 474 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS 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 2012 Lexus IS. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Rio | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Rio | IS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1093 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4046 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1455 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
