2008 Lexus IS vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 38 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 2008 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2950 mm |
