2001 Lexus IS vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 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 33 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (192 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus IS weights approximately 104 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 2001 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | SLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
