2002 Lexus IS vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 67 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 20 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. 2002 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
