2005 Lexus IS vs. 2009 Nissan Sentra

To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus IS (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus IS weights approximately 133 kg more than 2009 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2005 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Sentra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Sentra. 2005 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2005 Lexus IS 2009 Nissan Sentra
Make Lexus Nissan
Model IS Sentra
Year Released 2005 2009
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2997 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 210 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5100 RPM
Torque 288 Nm 199 Nm
Torque RPM 3800 RPM 4800 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 9.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1575 kg 1442 kg
Vehicle Length 4410 mm 4570 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1800 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1520 mm
Wheelbase Size 2680 mm 2690 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 10.8 L/100km 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 55 L