1999 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1999 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 645 kg more than 1999 Honda Civic. 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, 1999 Honda Civic, 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Civic. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1999 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Civic | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Civic | IS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2731 mm |
