2004 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 1 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 64 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 350 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Honda Civic, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Civic | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
