1990 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2010 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 145 kg more than 2010 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2010 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Lexus IS | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
Model | SL | IS |
Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2231 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 267 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1545 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4585 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2731 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |