1959 BMW 700 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 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 165 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 937 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1959 BMW 700 has manual transmission. 1959 BMW 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 700 | IS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
