2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 2001 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 550 kg more than 2001 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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 583 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (247 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | SL | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
