2012 Kia Soul vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 11 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 214 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. 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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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, 2001 Lexus IS (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2001 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul. 2001 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Soul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Soul | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Kia | Lexus |
| Model | Soul | IS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1186 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
