2011 Nissan Altima vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2001 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Altima weights approximately 112 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Altima | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lexus |
| Model | Altima | IS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4595 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2675 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
