2008 Lexus IS vs. 2008 Nissan Versa
To start off, both 2008 Lexus IS and 2008 Nissan Versa were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Versa. (122 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Versa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Versa weights approximately 790 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Versa, 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 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Versa. (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Versa. 2008 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Versa has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Versa 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 | 2008 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | IS | Versa |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
