2006 Renault Vel Satis 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 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Renault Vel Satis. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2006 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 243 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2006 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Renault Vel Satis | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Renault | Lexus |
| Model | Vel Satis | IS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
