2008 Lexus IS vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 1 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 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2008 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
