1995 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 420 kg more than 1995 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Escort. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1995 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1995 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Escort | IS |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
