2001 Lexus IS vs. 2003 Lexus SC
To start off, 2003 Lexus SC is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 4,294 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus SC (290 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2001 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus SC weights approximately 340 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2003 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS. 2003 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 2001 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2001 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 2003 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Lexus | Lexus |
| Model | IS | SC |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
