2002 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 103 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2011 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Sharan. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen Sharan | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lexus |
| Model | Sharan | IS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
