2005 Honda Element vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2005 Honda Element is newer by 2 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Element (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Element weights approximately 137 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS. 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, 2005 Honda Element, 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, 2005 Honda Element (218 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm). This means 2005 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS. 2005 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2003 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2003 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Element | IS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
