1998 Ford Probe vs. 1996 Lexus SC
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lexus SC would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus SC (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1998 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus SC weights approximately 408 kg more than 1998 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Lexus SC 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 1996 Lexus SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe, 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, 1996 Lexus SC (370 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Probe. 1996 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 1996 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Probe | SC |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
