2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 6 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, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Land Rover Defender. (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2005 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 63 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 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 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lexus |
| Model | Defender | IS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3947 cc | 2500 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 | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 65 L |
