2006 Kia Carens vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Carens. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Carens would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 2006 Kia Carens. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Carens weights approximately 27 kg more than 2012 Lexus LS.
Because 2012 Lexus LS 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 2012 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Carens, 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, 2012 Lexus LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Carens. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Carens | 2012 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Carens | LS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 84 L |
