2011 Lexus IS vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 220 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lexus IS | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4585 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2731 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
