1998 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 102 kg more than 1998 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Accord, 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, 1998 Honda Accord (265 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Accord | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
