1999 Lexus IS vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lexus IS would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 1999 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 645 kg more than 1999 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 635 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lexus IS. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 1999 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lexus IS | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
