2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 210 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
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 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | S | IS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 65 L |
