1998 Lexus ES vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus ES. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus ES would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus ES (218 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 780 kg more than 1998 Lexus ES.
Because 2011 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Lexus ES. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lexus ES. (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lexus ES. 1998 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lexus ES | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | ES | T5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3010 mm |
