2003 Lexus IS vs. 1997 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 305 kg more than 1997 Toyota MR2. 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, 2003 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota MR2. 2003 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Lexus IS | 1997 Toyota MR2 | |
Make | Lexus | Toyota |
Model | IS | MR2 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 296 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2430 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |