2006 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (176 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 745 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. 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, 2006 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lexus IS | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Corona |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 15.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 75 L |
