2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (470 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (306 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 320 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | CLS | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 470 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
