2008 Lexus IS vs. 1997 Lexus LS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,967 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus LS (280 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus LS weights approximately 200 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS. 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, 1997 Lexus LS (398 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1997 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Lexus | Lexus |
| Model | IS | LS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 398 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
