2011 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Dodge Caliber would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Caliber. (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 233 kg more than 2011 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Dodge Caliber, 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 (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Dodge Caliber | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Dodge | Lexus |
| Model | Caliber | IS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1334 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4415 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1748 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1534 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2634 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
