1997 Lexus LS vs. 2002 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2002 Toyota Soarer is newer by 5 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 4,292 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus LS (280 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Soarer. (276 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus LS weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Toyota Soarer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lexus LS 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 1997 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Soarer, 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, 2002 Toyota Soarer (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus LS. (398 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus LS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus LS | 2002 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | LS | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3967 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 398 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2630 mm |
