2012 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Lincoln MKZ
To start off, both 2012 Lexus IS and 2012 Lincoln MKZ were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 83 kg more than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. 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, 2012 Lincoln MKZ, 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 (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lincoln MKZ. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lincoln MKZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Lexus IS | 2012 Lincoln MKZ | |
| Make | Lexus | Lincoln |
| Model | IS | MKZ |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 416 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4661 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1816 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1415 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2731 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 66 L |
