2009 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 342 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | IS | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
