1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 500 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Civic | IS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1425 mm |
