2008 Lexus IS vs. 2009 Kia Forte
To start off, 2009 Kia Forte is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2009 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 254 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Forte, 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, 2008 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Forte. 2008 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Forte will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 2009 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Lexus | Kia |
| Model | IS | Forte |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
