2009 Lexus IS vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 279 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 15.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
