2009 Lexus IS vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Lexus IS. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 16 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2009 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | 350 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 95 L |
