1999 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 45 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Sharan | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lexus |
| Model | Sharan | IS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
