1999 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1999 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1999 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 220 kg more than 1999 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon, 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 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lexus IS. 2012 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 1999 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 1999 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lexus IS | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
