2007 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lexus IS (205 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 374 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul, 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, 2007 Lexus IS (252 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2007 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lexus IS | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Lexus | Kia |
| Model | IS | Soul |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
