2009 Lexus IS vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 320 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus IS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
