1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 250 kg more than 2012 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Impala | IS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 65 L |
