2009 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 61 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | Civic | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
