2011 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 184 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2011 Lexus IS | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
Model | IS | Golf |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 306 HP | 84 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 375 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1416 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4246 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1782 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1425 mm | 1423 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2728 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |