1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | 300 | IS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2680 mm |
