2012 Lexus IS vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 338 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Lexus IS | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | IS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1567 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4585 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2731 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
