2003 Lexus IS vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 155 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.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2003 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2003 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
