2002 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2002 Honda Accord. (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 148 kg more than 2002 Honda Accord. 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, 2002 Honda Accord, 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 (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Accord | IS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 66 L |
