Lexus IS vs Toyota Altezza
Okay, let's get quick overview first:
Altezza RS200 SXE10 - 3S-GE 4 Cylinder, 2.0L (210hp)
Altezza AS200 GXE10 - 1G-FE Inline 6, 2.0 L
Altezza AS200 GXE15 - 1G-GE Inline 6, 3.0 L Gita Wagon
Altezza AS300 JCE10 - 2JZ-GE Inline 6, 3.0 L
Altezza AS300 JCE15 - 2JZ-GE Inline 6, 3.0 L Gita Wagon
Lexus IS200 - 1G-FE Inline 6, 2.0 L
Lexus IS300 - 2JZ-GE Inline 6, 3.0 L (215hp)
Now for some more detail. The Altezza AS200 is, for the most part, the same as the Lexus IS200. The differences that exist (seat warmers and the like) are just to satisfy the snobby high-end image of Lexus. ;) The downside of the extra goodies is the weight, adding to the slugguishness of the IS200.
Don't make the mistake of thinking 6 cylinders are better than 4, the RS200's 4-cylinder 3S-GE engine is significantly more powerful than the IS200/AS200's 6-cylinder 1G-FE:
| AS200 | |||
| Engine | Transmission | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) |
| 1988 cc 6-Cyl | 6 Spd Manual | 160 @ 6,200 rpm | 200 @ 4,400 rpm |
| 1988 cc 6-Cyl | 4 Spd Auto | 160 @ 6,200 rpm | 200 @ 4,400 rpm |
| RS200 | |||
| Engine | Transmission | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) |
| 1998 cc 4-Cyl | 6 Spd Manual | 210 @ 7,600 rpm | 216 @ 6,400 rpm |
| 1998 cc 4-Cyl | 5 Spd Auto | 200 @ 7,000 rpm | 216 @ 4,800 rpm |
Manual vs Auto
As you may have observed from the above table the RS200 manual
generates a little more horsepower. Nope, it's not due to massive
driveline losses - the two engines have slightly different components
in the head arrangement.
The manual 3S-GE dual head has higher lift cams than that found in the
tiptronic model. This is part of the reason for the 7500 redline in the
manual.
The manual should have more top end, but who drives their car at 7000 rpm all the time...
Traction Control and LSD is standard on the 6MT, but only optional on the auto.
BEAMS
B.E.A.M.S. stands for Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Management System it is developed by Yamaha.DISCLAIMER
I make no promises regarding the accuracy of this information, it's just my version of the truth. You're a fool if you trust it without checking a few other sources yourself.
