2002 Lexus IS vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. (127 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 180 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 2002 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. (196 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. 2002 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus IS | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | 250 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
