2011 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 49 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | C | IS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1392 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
