2002 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lexus IS would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2002 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 340 kg more than 2002 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lexus IS. (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus IS | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | IS | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
