2009 Lexus IS vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,454 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 330 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 (376 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 1998 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | C |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3454 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
