2002 Mitsubishi Diamante 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 Mitsubishi Diamante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 182 kg more than 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, 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 Mitsubishi Diamante (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
| Model | Diamante | IS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2731 mm |
