1997 Lexus LS vs. 1998 Lexus SC
To start off, 1998 Lexus SC is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,967 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus LS (280 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Lexus SC. (225 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1998 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus LS weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Lexus SC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Lexus LS (398 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lexus SC. (290 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lexus SC. 1997 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1998 Lexus SC has manual transmission. 1998 Lexus SC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus LS | 1998 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Lexus | Lexus |
| Model | LS | SC |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3967 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 398 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
