2008 Lexus IS vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Lexus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | IS | 159 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
