2002 Acura CL vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 162 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura CL | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Acura | Lexus |
| Model | CL | IS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
