2001 Lexus IS vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 100 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2001 Lexus IS (298 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | 300 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
