2001 Ford Mondeo vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mondeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mondeo would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 102 kg more than 2001 Ford Mondeo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2003 Lexus IS (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mondeo. 2003 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Mondeo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mondeo | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Mondeo | IS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
