2003 Lexus IS vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is newer by 8 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (188 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter weights approximately 1123 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | Sprinter |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 6939 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2024 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 2731 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 4326 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
