2012 Mazda 2 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, both 2012 Mazda 2 and 2012 Lexus IS were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 129 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 712 kg more than 2012 Mazda 2. 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, 2012 Mazda 2, 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 2 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mazda | Lexus |
| Model | 2 | IS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1695 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1475 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2489 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
