2003 Lexus IS vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 6 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 214 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 90 L |
