2011 Nissan Murano 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 Nissan Murano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Murano would be higher. Both 2011 Nissan Murano and 2012 Lexus IS are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Murano. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Murano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Murano weights approximately 221 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Murano, 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Murano. (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Murano.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Murano | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lexus |
| Model | Murano | IS |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1821 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4823 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1727 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2824 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 65 L |
