1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2002 Lexus IS
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 160 kg more than 2002 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lexus IS. (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2002 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Dodge | Lexus |
| Model | Mirada | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2680 mm |
