2000 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 313 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lexus |
| Model | Golf | IS |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
