1981 Porsche 944 vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, both vehicles can yield 195 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:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Porsche | Lexus |
| Model | 944 | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
