2009 Lexus IS vs. 1996 Lexus ES
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lexus ES. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lexus ES would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 2009 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 Lexus ES.
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, 1996 Lexus ES, 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, 1996 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1996 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Lexus | Lexus |
| Model | IS | ES |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |
