2008 Lexus IS vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 100 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
