1998 Lexus ES vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus ES. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus ES would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus ES (218 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 260 kg more than 1998 Lexus ES.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1998 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lexus ES | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | ES | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2789 mm |
