2003 Honda Insight vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Insight would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 642 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Insight, 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, 2008 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight. 2008 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Insight | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Insight | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1482 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
