2001 Toyota Avalon vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Avalon would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Avalon. (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Avalon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 34 kg more than 2001 Toyota Avalon. 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, 2001 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 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Avalon. (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Toyota Avalon | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Toyota | Lexus |
| Model | Avalon | IS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
