2007 Lexus IS vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lexus IS (205 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 605 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2007 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lexus IS | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
