2009 Kia Carnival vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Carnival would be higher. At 2,902 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Kia Carnival. (142 HP @ 8800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Carnival weights approximately 675 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Carnival, 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, 2012 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Carnival. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Carnival. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Carnival has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Carnival will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Carnival | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Carnival | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2902 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.2 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2220 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
