2001 Lexus IS vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS 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 84 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 30 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (298 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 2003 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 69 L |
