2006 Lexus IS vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (153 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus IS weights approximately 17 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus IS. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 2006 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2006 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lexus IS | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | 230 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
