1997 Lexus ES vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus ES. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus ES would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 37 kg more than 1997 Lexus ES.
Because 2011 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Lexus ES. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1997 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus ES | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lexus | Lexus |
| Model | ES | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2731 mm |
