1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 298 kg more than 2011 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2011 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2011 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | S | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 65 L |
