2004 Toyota MR2 vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Toyota MR2. (142 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 502 kg more than 2004 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, 2011 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Toyota MR2 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Toyota | Lexus |
| Model | MR2 | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
