2005 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2005 Lexus IS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus IS weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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, 2005 Lexus IS (310 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lexus IS | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Lexus | Porsche |
| Model | IS | 944 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
