2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Land Rover Defender. (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2005 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 135 kg more than 2005 Land Rover Defender. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 Land Rover Defender (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2005 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lexus |
| Model | Defender | IS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3947 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 65 L |
