2002 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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, both vehicles can yield 195 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus IS | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Lexus | Porsche |
| Model | IS | 944 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
