2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1108 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Land Rover Defender. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Land Rover | Lexus |
| Model | Defender | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
