2003 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2012 Lexus IS

To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 822 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. 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, 2003 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. 2003 Daihatsu Charade has automatic transmission and 2012 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2012 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Daihatsu Charade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Daihatsu Charade 2012 Lexus IS
Make Daihatsu Lexus
Model Charade IS
Year Released 2003 2012
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 989 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 3 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 57 HP 204 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6400 RPM
Torque 90 Nm 251 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4800 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 745 kg 1567 kg
Vehicle Length 3420 mm 4585 mm
Vehicle Width 1480 mm 1801 mm
Vehicle Height 1510 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2370 mm 2731 mm
Fuel Consumption 5.1 L/100km 8.4 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 7.3 L/100km 12.4 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 36 L 65 L