2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus IS would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 2001 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 255 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lexus |
| Model | C | IS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 454 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4724 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2766 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
