2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 215 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | CLS | IS |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
