2009 Lexus IS vs. 1990 Saab 9000
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1990 Saab 9000. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1990 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 355 kg more than 1990 Saab 9000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Saab 9000, 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 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1990 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lexus | Saab |
| Model | IS | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 15.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
