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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 283 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS will offer significantly more control. 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 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 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 | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1567 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 |
