1978 Volkswagen Citi vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 597 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Citi has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Citi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Citi | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lexus |
| Model | Citi | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2731 mm |
