2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
Because 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
| Model | 159 | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
