2009 Lexus IS vs. 1998 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 350 kg more than 1998 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota RAV4. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota RAV4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1998 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
