2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 70 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | C | IS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
