2003 Lexus IS vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Corolla. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 284 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2003 Lexus IS (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Corolla. (151 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2009 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
