2003 Lexus IS vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,003 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS. 2003 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 4003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
