2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS. 2003 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2003 Lexus IS | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
Model | 159 | IS |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 296 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |