2001 Lexus IS vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2001 Lexus IS. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 920 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (298 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
