2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1115 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
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, 2012 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | C | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 64 L |
